Arizona survives late push from Utah State, advances to Sweet Sixteen

SAN DIEGO (KYMA) - It wasn't always pretty, but in March, it doesn't have to be.

The Arizona Wildcats men's basketball are headed to the Sweet 16 after holding off a tough Utah State Aggies men's basketball squad, 78-66, in the second round of the NCAA Tournament at Viejas Arena.

Arizona looked in control for much of the night, building a lead as large as 18 points in the second half. But Utah State refused to go away, turning up the defensive pressure and cutting the deficit down to just four with under six minutes to play.

That’s when the Wildcats leaned on their size and especially their big man.

Motiejus Krivas dominated down the stretch, finishing with 11 points and 14 rebounds, including a stretch where he grabbed six boards in just a few minutes to help Arizona regain control.

His presence on the glass proved to be the difference, as the Wildcats out-rebounded the Aggies 54-26.

Koa Peat added a double-double of his own with 14 points and 10 rebounds, while Jaden Bradley led all scorers with 18 points despite a tough shooting night.

Brayden Burries chipped in 16 points and delivered one of the biggest shots of the game, a clutch three-pointer with just over two minutes left that helped seal the win.

Utah State's defensive adjustments made things uncomfortable for Arizona in the second half. The Aggies mixed in presses and changing coverages, forcing eight Wildcat turnovers after halftime and disrupting any offensive rhythm.

For a stretch, it worked.

Arizona went more than seven minutes without a field goal midway through the second half, allowing Utah State to slowly chip away and make it a game late.

But timely free throws, second-chance opportunities, and that late three from Burries helped the Wildcats close it out.

Even with the struggles, Arizona did enough and that's what matters this time of year.

With the win, the Wildcats move on to the Sweet 16, where they'll face Arkansas Razorbacks men's basketball in San Jose.

Survive and advance and Arizona is still dancing.