No. 4 Arizona sneaks past No. 3 UConn with statement win, 71–67

STORRS, Conn. (KYMA) - In one of the marquee matchups of college basketball's early season, Arizona freshman phenom Koa Peat delivered another national showcase performance, helping the Wildcats grind out a 71–67 win over No. 3 UConn on Wednesday night.

Once again, Peat did it with the one thing defenders still can't prepare for sheer, overwhelming athleticism.

Late in the first half, with Arizona clinging to a 31–30 edge, Peat produced the highlight of the night. After Jaden Bradley's short-range attempt came off the rim, Peat soared into a crowd of Huskies for a left-handed tip that bounced off only for him to explode back up instantly and finish the second try with his right hand.

It was the kind of play that changes momentum, and the kind of play that’s becoming routine for Arizona's five-star freshman.

Peat’s motor didn't slow. He pulled down five offensive rebounds and finished with a team-high 12 boards, adding 16 points, three assists and two blocks on efficient 7-of-14 shooting, all while staying out of foul trouble with just two personals.

Arizona used that energy to build a 53-40 lead early in the second half behind a 10-2 run, but UConn punched back with a 7-0 burst and eventually reclaimed the lead at 62-60. That's when Arizona's veterans answered.

Motiejus Krivas cleaned up a loose ball for a clutch basket, and Bradley carved into the lane for a tough finish that pushed the Wildcats ahead for good.

Down the stretch, Tobe Awaka sealed the win at the free-throw line, hitting four straight in the final seconds.

Krivas played his best interior game of the season, tallying nine points and a massive 14 rebounds, while Bradley added key late-game scoring to help settle Arizona's offense when UConn surged.

With the victory, Arizona became just the third team in AP Poll history to notch multiple wins over top-three opponents in the first five games of a season joining its opening-night upset of No. 3 Florida.

Now 5-0 after surviving their first true road test, the Wildcats return to Tucson on Monday to host Denver, aiming to continue a start that already looks capable of carrying them deep into March.