Recap
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Arizona Wildcats Outrun Alabama Crimson Tide in a Legacy Arena Showdown

The Arizona Wildcats, ranked 1st, showcased their dominance against the 12th-ranked Alabama Crimson Tide at Legacy Arena. The Wildcats emerged victorious with a final score of 96-75, improving their record to an impressive 10-2. Meanwhile, the Crimson Tide fell to a respectable 8-4.


Dec 20, 2023; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Arizona Wildcats guard Kylan Boswell (4) reacts after a play during the second half of the game against the Alabama Crimson Tide in the Hall of Fame Series at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

First Half


The first half saw both teams battling fiercely for control. The Cats managed to secure an early lead with their aggressive playstyle and sharp shooting. Brayden Burries was instrumental in this period, contributing significantly with his scoring prowess and ending the game as one of the top performers with 28 points and a field goal percentage of 58 percent. His ability to find open shots kept the pressure on Alabama's defense.


Second Half


As the second half unfolded, Arizona's offensive strategy became even more apparent. They capitalized on fast breaks and turnovers from Alabama, amassing an impressive total of 22 points off turnovers throughout the game. Motiejus Krivas stood out defensively by securing crucial rebounds that limited Alabama’s second-chance opportunities; he finished with a commendable double-double performance including 14 rebounds.


Despite Alabama's efforts to close the gap—led by their efficient two-point shooting at a rate of 54 percent—their attempts were thwarted by Arizona’s relentless defense which recorded ten steals during the match.


Game-Changing Moments


A pivotal moment came when Sidi Gueye made his presence felt on both ends of the court; his defensive plays were key in maintaining Arizona’s momentum during critical phases where leads changed hands nine times throughout this intense matchup.


This victory not only highlighted Arizona's tactical superiority but also underscored their depth as they received substantial contributions from bench players who added another layer to their already formidable lineup.


Fans can look forward to more action as Arizona Wildcats prepare for their next encounter against Abilene Christian Wildcats at McKale Center in Tucson on December 16th at 9:00 PM EDT. Tune into ESPN+ for live coverage!


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