After two consecutive close games, the No. 1-ranked Arizona Wildcats are now back to overwhelming their opponents, taking advantage of a second-half explosion to beat the Cincinnati Bearcats 77-51 at home on Wednesday.
In the first half, Arizona (19-0) shot a disappointing 36.7% and led by a close margin. In the second, the Wildcats adjusted and shot 48.5%, outscoring the Bearcats (10-9) 44-24. Arizona also took full advantage of free throw opportunities that were given, shooting 28 from the stripe and making 20.
The Wildcats’ dominance in the paint clearly showed again, outscoring Cincinnati 48-14 in that area. Arizona also outrebounded the Bearcats 46-33 by the end of the game.
Four Wildcats scored in double digits. Motiejus Krivas led the team with 17 points and nine rebounds. Freshman Ivan Kharchenkov was second with 14 points and two rebounds. Koa Peat ended his night with 13 points and six rebounds.
First half
Arizona stormed to a 15-6 lead behind Kharchenkov’s four points scored and a masterful hookshot by Krivas to cap off the run. Cincinnati then came from behind to shorten the Wildcat lead to 15-12with 11 minutes left in the half, just before a media timeout…