TEMPE - No. 1 Arizona pulled away late to secure an 87–74 road win over rival Arizona State on Friday afternoon at Desert Financial Arena, staying unbeaten and tightening its grip atop the Big 12 standings. The Wildcats improved 22-0 on the season, setting a program record for best start to a season after topping the 21-0 mark set by the 2013-14 team. 

The Wildcats (22-0, 9-0) leaned on a dominant second half after a tightly contested opening 20 minutes ended in a 38-38 tie. Arizona shot 60 percent from the field after halftime and outscored the Sun Devils 49-36, using interior scoring, defensive pressure and timely shot-making to create separation.

Freshman Koa Peat led Arizona with 21 points, shooting 9 of 16 from the floor while adding four assists. Ivan Kharchenkov chipped in 12 points, and Motiejus Krivas was efficient inside with 15 points on 6-of-10 shooting. Jaden Bradley controlled the tempo, finishing with 10 points, six assists, and four steals, while Brayden Burries added 17 points and seven rebounds.

Arizona's physicality in the paint proved decisive. The Wildcats held a 50-20 advantage in points in the paint and out-rebounded Arizona State 47-32. Tobe Awaka anchored the effort on the glass with 13 rebounds, helping Arizona generate 16 second-chance points.

The Sun Devils (11-11, 2-7) were paced by Noah Meeusen's 16 points and Maurice Odum's 15, but struggled to keep up once Arizona found its offensive rhythm. Arizona State shot just 41.5 percent from the field and 60 percent at the free-throw line, while committing 18 fouls.

Arizona created its largest lead of 20 points in the final two minutes, capping a run fueled by stops and transition baskets. The Wildcats also forced 21 turnovers, turning defense into easy scoring opportunities.

With the win, Arizona completed the season sweep of Arizona State and improved to 5-0 on the road against the Sun Devils under head coach Tommy Lloyd. 

The Wildcats take the court next inside the McKale Center on Saturday, February 7th, against Oklahoma State at 2:00 p.m. MST. This game will be aired live on ESPN2 and the 2001 Final Four team will be honored at halftime.