Arizona storms past Alabama in a statement win, 96 to 75, turning a tight game into a runaway in Birmingham. The No. 1 Wildcats trailed at half, then buried No. 12 Alabama with a blistering second half and a freshman star who owned the night.
[IMAGE_1]
How the game flipped
Alabama led 41 to 39 at halftime. The Tide had pace, the crowd, and a hot backcourt. From my seat at Legacy Arena, the shift came fast. Arizona tightened its defense, attacked the glass, and moved the ball with purpose. The Wildcats outscored Alabama 57 to 34 after the break. That is not a run, that is a takeover.
It started with stops. Alabama’s first actions stalled, and Arizona punished the misses. The Wildcats won the boards 52 to 32. That gap gave them extra possessions and clean looks at the rim. It also slowed Alabama’s transition game, a core of their identity.
There was emotion in the building. Jaden Bradley, the former Alabama guard, played with poise against familiar faces. He controlled tempo, found shooters, and picked his spots. Arizona’s size and depth wore down the Tide. By the eight minute mark, the Wildcats had full control.
The breakout that changed everything
Freshman Brayden Burries did not hesitate. He buried five threes. He hunted space, rose with confidence, and finished with a career-high 28 points. He looked ready for the moment, and he played like a veteran. Every Alabama push met his answer.
Brayden Burries set a career high with 28 points, hitting five threes and sparking the second-half surge.
Burries’ impact went beyond scoring. His spacing opened lanes. His shot-making tilted Alabama’s help. When the Tide chased him over the top, Arizona hit the paint and punished closeouts. That balance is the sign of a true No. 1.
The numbers that told the story
Arizona did not just win. The Wildcats imposed their style.
- Final score, Arizona 96, Alabama 75
- Second half, Arizona 57, Alabama 34
- Rebounding, Arizona 52, Alabama 32
- Motiejus Krivas, 14 points and 14 rebounds
- Jaden Bradley, 13 points and seven assists
- Alabama’s Labaron Philon Jr., 24 points, with Latrell Wrightsell Jr. adding 21
Arizona’s rebounding edge and depth decided the game. Extra shots for the Wildcats, fewer easy runouts for the Tide.
Krivas was a wall in the lane. His hands were steady, his footwork clean, and he anchored multiple stops. Bradley’s composure mattered, especially early in the second half, when every decision shaped the run. Arizona moved the ball, cut with force, and punished Alabama on the glass.
Alabama did have bright spots. Philon Jr. attacked in space and scored at all three levels. Wrightsell Jr. hit timely threes that kept the Tide close in the first half. But without control of the boards, Alabama could not string stops or play at its preferred rhythm.
[IMAGE_2]
What it means right now
Arizona improves to 9 and 0, with a fifth win over a ranked opponent in the bank. The Wildcats look built for March, with size, shooting, and a freshman who can take over when the game tilts. Their top spot is not hype. It is backed by toughness and depth.
For Alabama, now 7 and 3, the fix is clear. Clean the glass. Protect the paint after rotations. The Tide can still score with anyone. To beat top teams, they need second-chance defense and stronger post resistance. The season is long, and this film will help them.
This was also a culture moment. A neutral-site showcase with a home-state feel, SEC pride in the stands, and a Big 12 power walking into the noise and closing the door. Arizona did what No. 1 teams do. It survived the first punch and owned the last 20 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who was the star of the game?
A: Arizona freshman Brayden Burries, who scored 28 points and hit five threes.
Q: What was the biggest difference after halftime?
A: Rebounding and defense. Arizona won the boards and took away Alabama’s pace.
Q: Which supporting players stood out?
A: Motiejus Krivas posted a 14 and 14 double-double. Jaden Bradley added 13 points and seven assists.
Q: How does this affect the rankings and March outlook?
A: Arizona strengthens its No. 1 case and a top seed path. Alabama stays in the top tier but needs to solve the glass.
Q: What was the final score and location?
A: Arizona beat Alabama 96 to 75 at Legacy Arena in the C.M. Newton Classic.
Arizona did not just hold serve. It raised the bar. With Burries breaking out, Krivas controlling the lane, and Bradley steadying the backcourt, the Wildcats looked every bit like the nation’s best. If this is the gear they can hit in December, the rest of college basketball has a problem.
