The past week’s trend featured undefeated teams on the receiving end of a first setback, and top-ranked Arizona will try to remain unaffected and stay perfect on Saturday afternoon against UCF in Orlando, Fla.
On Tuesday, No. 2 Iowa State had its hopes of perfection dashed by Kansas. Following Saturday’s loss by No. 4 Michigan and Wednesday’s defeat of No. 10 Vanderbilt, only Arizona (17-0, 4-0 Big 12), No. 8 Nebraska and unranked Miami (Ohio) remain spotless.
With six undefeated squads being halved in less than a week, the Wildcats are likely even more aware of the bullseye they are wearing.
The team topped archrival Arizona State 89-82 at home Wednesday behind a career-high 25 points from Tobe Awaka, a 6-foot-8 senior playing in his second season in Tucson after two with Tennessee.
Awaka averages right at a double-double — 10.8 points on 59.5% shooting and 9.8 rebounds — and has grown his game with the Wildcats.