Arizona cruises to Big 12 quarterfinal win over UCF, rematch with Iowa State next

The Arizona Wildcats led coast-to-coast for an 81-59 win over UCF in Thursday’s Big 12 tournament quarterfinal matchup.

Arizona jumped out to an early 14-2 lead less than five minutes into the game.

The Wildcats’ early fury continued with a 15-0 run midway through the half to extend their lead to 27 points with 7:38 remaining until halftime.

The Knights fought back to cut the deficit to 16 at halftime as Arizona led, 46-30.

Throughout the second half, every time UCF made a little run, the Wildcats would respond. UCF never cut its deficit to fewer than 12 points in the final 20 minutes.

Freshman Brayden Burries led the way for Arizona with 21 points on 7-of-12 shooting. Sixth Man of the Year award winner Tobe Awaka scored 12 points on 5-of-6 shooting and collected 12 rebounds.

UCF’s Themus Fulks led the Knights with 14 points off the bench.

Arizona’s defense was on full display Thursday. The Wildcats held the Knights to 37% from the field and just 14% on 21 3-point attempts.

Meanwhile, Arizona shot 38% from 3-point territory and attempted 31 free throws.

The Wildcats only made 17 of those attempts, their second-lowest free throw percentage of the season, but it was still more made free throws then UCF attempted (15).

Arizona finished with 10 more points in the paint and nine more points off of turnovers in the game.

Right back here tomorrow night. pic.twitter.com/dD6daXi2aA

— Arizona Basketball (@ArizonaMBB) March 12, 2026

With the win, Arizona will face Iowa State in the semifinals at 4 p.m. on Friday.

The Wildcats beat the Cyclones in their lone regular-season meeting, 73-57.

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