Arizona freshman forward rocks defending champion in sensational debut

The Wildcats defeated the Florida Gators 93-87 in a massive season opening win backed by Koa Peat's 30-point performance

LAS VEGAS (KYMA) - Freshman forward Koa Peat dropped 30 points to lead No. 13 Arizona to a 93-87 victory over No. 3 and defending national champion Florida in the Hall of Fame Series on Monday night at T-Mobile Area in Las Vegas.

The Phoenix-area native's 30 points are the most by an Arizona freshman in their college debut since 1972.

He shot 11 of 18, with seven rebounds and five assists as well.

Senior Jaden Bradley had a good outing too, adding a career-high 27 points to Peat's 30 piece.

For the majority of the first half, the Gators were leading, but the Wildcats would take a late 42 to 41 lead on an Ivan Karchenkov triple.

Florida's poor second-half shooting allowed for Arizona to extend their lead, but things got hairy near the end with a couple of costly turnovers.

Luckily for the Wildcats, they were able to seal the deal, securing Tommy Lloyd's 22nd win against AP Top 25 opponents.

Arizona will face Utah Tech this Friday for their home opener.