No. 1 Arizona Tops TCU To Stay Unbeaten As Season Intensifies

The Arizona Wildcats managed to avoid the upset versus TCU as they took down the Horned Frogs 86-73 in Forth Worth, Texas. Koa Peat starred for Arizona, Jaden Bradley took over down the stretch of this game as he poured in 17 points in the second half and Anthony Dell’Orso finally broke free from the slump that was holding him back.

A lot was learned about Arizona in this matchup, fans also learned a lot about the level of TCU in this game. TCU punched back consistently making it hard for Arizona to really pull away.

Tanner Toolson helped keep TCU in this game with his shooting off the bench. 20 points on just two misses, Toolson was on fire for TCU. His 20 point performance was just his second this season. The last time the Utah Valley transfer put up 20 or more points was November 6th against Saint Francis. He shot 75% from behind the 3pt line in this game against Arizona.

Arizona continues to be among the nation’s most impressive teams to begin conference play, as the Wildcats now sit at 16-0 for the first time since 2013-14 and just the second time since 1931-32.

Dell’Orso’s Done Slumping

Entering this game, the Wildcat’s resident sniper Anthony Dell’Orso was in a shooting slump. Delly had made just one of his last 14 three’s before the TCU matchup. ADO was able to get his shot going in this game, shooting 3-6 from deep vs the Frogs.

Dell’Orso has made many improvements to his game this past off-season after Arizona’s loss to Duke in the Sweet Sixteen of last year’s tournament. His defense has taken a tick up this season, his range has expanded, his muscle mass has increased and his overall offensive game has grown to be more diverse.

His four assists to zero turnovers vs TCU is emblematic of the diversity and expansion of his offensive skillset.

It was a that deep three and a mid-range make that signified to fans that Delly was back!

If Dell’Orso can avoid slumping, the Aussie sharpshooter stands to showcase his improved game and help lead Arizona to their first Final Four since this writer was an infant child.

Peat Is As Promised

Koa Peat has been impressing Arizona basketball fans since his debut against Florida where he dropped 30 points. Peat has a unique mix of size and skill that when being guarded by a smaller, less skilled defender makes him nearly unstoppable. Once Peat gets a full head of steam, look out because he’s crashing to the rim and creating pressure on the defense that can only be alleviated via defensive foul or a bucket for Peat.

The unstoppable version of Peat was on display vs TCU as he dropped 20 points, seven rebounds, and three assists. Peat continues to expand his shooting range as well, attempting two three point shots in this contest.

The Big 12 will to have a problem stopping Peat so long as there is not a size and skill matchup for him on the opposing team.

Jaden Bradley, the closer

Jaden Bradley must feel like he’s living on a tropical island at a 5-star resort the way this team is built to take stress off his shoulders. Arizona’s point guard has been able to save his legs this season in a way that would have been inexcusable last season. This year’s roster allows Bradley to take a backseat in these games until he is called upon, like a closer on a baseball team that comes in and throws heat to put the other team away.

Against TCU, Bradley only played 9 minutes in the first half and scored zero points. In the second half when TCU was making their final push, Bradley stepped up. 17 points on 6-8 shooting, He was lights out to end this game for Arizona.

The Wildcats true point guard continues to be one of the country’s best with the ball in his hands.

Arizona Bullying the Big 12?

The Arizona Wildcats are now set for a rivalry matchup with Arizona State Wednesday, January 14th on FS1. ASU has been perfectly mid to begin their season and really don’t stand much of a chance on paper in this matchup.

After ASU, Arizona will face a competitive UCF side, Cincinnati, West Virginia and one of the Big 12’s best in BYU before taking on Arizona State again.

For more Arizona vs ASU preview and for everything Wildcats, tune into the AZ Wildcats Podcast with Damon Fairall and Kevin Thomas.