The Arizona Wildcats (33-2, 16-2 in Big 12) and the Utah State Aggies (29-6, 15-5 in MWC) met for the next round at Viejas Arena in San Diego, California Sunday.
Arizona was coming off a blowout win over Long Island 92-58, while the Aggies had upset Villanova 86-76.
By most accounts, Arizona, a No. 1 seed was expected to not just win, but make a run to the national championship, while Utah State, who was a No. 9 seed, was expected to put up a fight but ultimately fall short.
Despite winning the Big 12, Arizona was focused on getting to the next round and taking on No. 4 Arkansas in the Sweet 16.
Arizona was a one seed and for good reason, as their depth and talent backed up their record.
Still, it’s called March Madness for a reason, and Arizona and Utah State were focused on each other aside from predictions.
Arizona started hot, as they got off to a 10-2 start, forcing an early timeout from the Aggies.
That didn’t seem to rattle Aggies, as they were able to contain Arizona, as the Wildcats went 4-for-13.
It wasn’t that good for Utah State either though, as they were 4-for-12, as the game had become a defensive battle.
Arizona led by six with eight minutes left in the first half, but the stats told a different tale, as Utah State was 1-for-7 from downtown while Arizona was 4-for-8 when shooting from three.
With 5:43 left in the first, Arizona found their groove, and Utah State’s only answer was fouling the Wildcats, as Arizona shot 13 free-throws compared to the Aggie’s two free-throws.
Koa Peat played a crucial role, being the go-to guy for Arizona as he had eight points and five rebounds.
Despite holding a seven-point lead with two minutes left in the first, the Wildcats missed eight consecutive shots, which could’ve seen a much bigger lead.
Entering the half, Arizona held a 33-24 lead, led by Peat with 11 points and six rebounds.
Arizona was outrebounding the Aggies, having 27 rebounds compared to Utah State’s 17 rebounds, with a whopping eight extra offensive rebounds.
The Aggies tried mounting a comeback, but the Wildcats always seemed one step ahead.
Then, with 15 minutes left, Arizona went on a 9-0 run, forcing a timeout by Utah State.
Even then, Utah State responded with a 6-0 run, and down 51-39 with 12 minutes to play; a comeback was certainly in the works.
Two minutes later, Utah State cut the lead to eight, as a comeback was on the table.
With six minutes left, Utah State cut it to four after Arizona went seven minutes without a bucket.
Jaden Bradley took over for Arizona however, as he had 18 points, as Arizona led 66-61, with Peat following with 14 points and Brayden Burries having 12 points.
As for Utah State, the main shooters were Garry Clark with 13 points, while Drake Allen followed with 11 points entering the final four minutes.
The Wildcats held a nine-point lead entering the final two minutes after Burries drained a deep-three after excellent defense from Utah State.
Utah State tried to shoot from range, but they couldn’t connect, as Arizona won, winning 78-66 to advance to the Sweet 16.
The Wildcats had Bradley finish 18 points, Burries with 16 points and nine rebounds, and Peat with 14 points and 10 rebounds, a double-double.
Motiejus Krivas also finished with his own double-double, as he had 11 points and 14 rebounds.
As for Utah State, Clark finished with 13 points and six rebounds, leading the team in both categories. MJ Collins Jr. finished with 12 points and Allen followed with 11 points.
Arizona outrebounded Utah State 54 to 28, with 14 more offensive rebounds, alongside being more efficient from beyond the arc.
Arizona Head Coach Tommy Lloyd said during a post-game on court interview about the win, “You know we’re a gritty group, we always say if we’re not gritty, we’re a word that rhymes with gritty.”
Arizona will play Arkansas in the Sweet 16 at SAP Center in San Jose, California on Thursday.
