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Arizona Wildcats Dominate UCF Knights with Strong Second Half Surge

The Arizona Wildcats improved their record to 1-0 after a commanding performance against the UCF Knights, who now stand at 0-1. The game concluded with a score of 84-77 in favor of the Wildcats.


Jan 17, 2026; Orlando, Florida, USA;  Arizona Wildcats guard Brayden Burries (5) dribbles around Central Florida Knights forward Jordan Burks (99) in the first half at Addition Financial Arena. Mandatory Credit: Russell Lansford-Imagn Images

First Half


The first half saw both teams battling closely, with the Arizona Wildcats taking an early lead by scoring 41 points. The UCF Knights kept pace, trailing closely behind with 38 points. The Cats demonstrated their offensive prowess through efficient shooting, achieving a field goal percentage of 53 percent.


Second Half


In the second half, the Wildcats extended their lead by adding another 43 points to their tally. A pivotal moment came when Sidi Gueye made crucial plays that contributed significantly to maintaining and extending their advantage over the Knights. The Cats' defense was also notable, as they managed to secure five steals and three blocks throughout the game.


Jan 17, 2026; Orlando, Florida, USA;  Central Florida Knights forward Jordan Burks (99) takes a shot in the first half against the Arizona Wildcats at Addition Financial Arena. Mandatory Credit: Russell Lansford-Imagn Images

Key Performances


Jaden Bradley stood out for Arizona with his impressive contribution of 23 points and five assists in this matchup. His performance was instrumental in driving the team's offense forward. Meanwhile, Motiejus Krivas showcased his skills on both ends of the court by securing a double-double with 17 points and grabbing an impressive total of rebounds.


UCF's Efforts


Despite falling short, UCF put up a commendable fight led by Zach Johnson's efforts on offense. They managed to keep up during most parts of the game but were unable to overcome Arizona's strong second-half surge.


Jan 17, 2026; Orlando, Florida, USA;  Arizona Wildcats guard Jaden Bradley (0) dribbles up the court in the second half against the Central Florida Knights at Addition Financial Arena. Mandatory Credit: Russell Lansford-Imagn Images

As part of our post-game analysis and Arizona Wildcats final whistle reaction, it is clear that this victory sets a positive tone for upcoming games.


Looking ahead at future fixtures: On January 21st at McKale Center in Tucson AZ (9:00 PM EST), fans can catch all action live via Fox Sports One as our beloved team faces off against Cincinnati Bearcats! Don't miss out – share this article today!

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