Hailey
The Arizona Wildcats continued their remarkable 2025‑26 men’s basketball season with a high‑energy Big 12 Conference matchup against the Kansas State Wildcats at the McKale Center in Tucson, Arizona on January 7, 2026.
In a game that featured electrifying plays, standout performances, and unforgettable photo moments, Arizona proved why it is one of the nation’s premier teams.
Arizona entered the contest undefeated this season and extended that streak with a convincing 101‑76 victory over Kansas State, showcasing both offensive firepower and strong defense.
Final Game Details
| Game Element | Details |
|---|---|
| Date | January 7, 2026 |
| Venue | McKale Center, Tucson, AZ |
| Teams | Arizona Wildcats vs Kansas State Wildcats |
| Final Score | Arizona 101, Kansas State 76 |
| Attendance | 14,357 |
| Arizona Record After Game | 15‑0 overall, 2‑0 Big 12 |
| Kansas State Record After Game | 9‑6 overall, 0‑2 Big 12 |
| Top Arizona Scorer | Brayden Burries – 28 points |
| Second Arizona Scorer | Motiejus Krivas – 25 points |
| Kansas State Leader | P.J. Haggerty – 19 points, 7 assists |
Scoring Breakdown
Arizona jumped out to a strong lead early and maintained control throughout the game. The Wildcats outscored Kansas State in both halves:
- First Half: Arizona led 51–36
- Second Half: Arizona continued the momentum with 50–40
- Final: Arizona 101, Kansas State 76
This performance marked Arizona’s 15th consecutive win to start the season, continuing one of the best starts in program history.
Standout Individual Performances
Arizona Wildcat Leaders
- Brayden Burries: Scored 28 points on efficient shooting, including 12‑of‑16 field goals. He also pulled down 9 rebounds, had 4 assists, and contributed 4 steals. Burries matched his highest scoring game of the year.
- Motiejus Krivas: Tallied a career‑best 25 points, added 12 rebounds for a double‑double, and made 11 of 13 free throws.
- Koa Peat: Scored 15 points, including athletic plays inside the paint, and added 10 rebounds for his own double‑double.
Kansas State Key Contributors
- P.J. Haggerty: Led Kansas State with 19 points and 7 assists, showing resilience in handling Arizona’s defensive pressure.
- Nate Johnson: Added 15 points off the bench.
- Dorin Buca: Scored 12 points and provided energy inside the paint.
Team Performance Highlights
Arizona Wildcats
- Shooting Efficiency: Nearly 49.3% field goal percentage and 76.9% free throw accuracy helped Arizona control the pace.
- Rebounding Edge: Arizona dominated the glass and secured crucial possessions.
- Balanced Scoring: Multiple players scored in double figures, reflecting depth and team scoring balance.
Kansas State Wildcats
- 3‑Point Struggles: Kansas State shot only 22.2% from three‑point range, limiting their offensive options.
- Effort Plays: Despite the loss, Kansas State showed hustle and fight, particularly in assists and ball movement.
Photo Highlights & Game Action
Photographers captured numerous highlight‑worthy moments, which fans shared across social and team galleries:
- Athletic dunks and finishes by Arizona players inside the lane.
- Energy‑filled reactions from the McKale Center crowd.
- Key defensive plays showcasing hustle and intensity.
- Kansas State efforts in transition and perimeter shots.
These images documented both the intensity of play and the atmosphere in the arena, highlighting why this Big 12 matchup drew attention from fans and analysts alike.
Impact on Big 12 Standings
The Wildcats’ win solidified their position as a top contender in the Big 12 Conference and reinforced their status as one of the best teams in the country so far this season. After this game, Arizona remained unbeaten and continued to build momentum heading deeper into conference play.
Kansas State, while battling hard, faced early challenges in Big 12 games but gained valuable experience against a top‑ranked opponent.
This detailed breakdown gives a complete picture of the Arizona vs Kansas State Big 12 basketball showdown—focusing on performance, key figures, and vivid game action. Let me know if you want a full photo gallery or player profiles from this matchup.