Arizona Wildcats guard Brayden Burries (5) makes a fast break during the second half against the Alabama Crimson Tide at Legacy Arena at BJCC. David Leong-Imagn Images

No. 1 Arizona makes statement in historic win over No. 12 Alabama

By Colby Colwell | Last updated Dec 14, 2025 12:38 AM ET

The top-ranked Arizona Wildcats faced a 41-39 halftime deficit to No. 12 Alabama on Saturday night before completely taking the game over out of the break.

After leading 56-49 with 14 minutes to play, Arizona (9-0) went on an 11-0 run and blew the game open on its way to a historic 96-75 win over the Crimson Tide (7-3).

According to ESPN college basketball insider Jeff Borzello, Arizona is the first team in AP poll history to beat five ranked teams in its first nine games of the season (h/t ESPN Research), with previous wins coming over then-No. 3 Florida, No. 15 UCLA, No. 3 UConn and No. 20 Auburn.

Aside from a 52-32 rebounding advantage and a 44-20 edge in the paint, freshman guard Brayden Burries had his best game of the season as he continues to overcome a slow start.

Brayden Burries carries Arizona to latest ranked win

Burries, who was a five-star recruit out of high school, had a career-high 28 points (11-of-19 FG, 5-of-10 3PT). This steal led to a transition opportunity and a dish to forward Tobe Awaka to open up the double-digit advantage for the Wildcats.

Arizona opens up a double-digit advantage over Alabama

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— NCAA March Madness (@MarchMadnessMBB) December 14, 2025

The career performance from Burries came at a good time as the team's leading scorers, freshman Koa Peat and senior Jaden Bradley, had a combined 19 points on 6-of-14 shooting, further highlighting the depth of this Arizona roster and why it is so dangerous.

Peat had a sensational debut against the Gators to begin the season, but it was Burries' turn to step up and showcase his talent this time around.

As Borzello pointed out, Burries only averaged 7.8 points while shooting 33.3% from the floor and 29.4% from long range in his first five games. In his last four, Burries has averaged 19.3 points and improved his shooting to 56% overall and 40.1% from deep, which points to a freshman who is starting to hit his stride.

It was not just Burries who impressed in the second-half rally as Arizona dominated on the offensive glass, 22-3, as a team and got a career-high five steals from freshman forward Ivan Kharchenkov.

Coming into Saturday, Arizona already had an impressive resume and clearly looked the part of the No. 1 team in the country. It only backed that up some more with its latest ranked win, a breakout performance from Burries and a balanced team effort all around.

Colby Colwell

Colby Colwell is a freelance contributor with a bachelor’s in Computer & Information Technology and a minor in Psychology from Western Kentucky University. With a deep passion for sports, especially NASCAR, he offers his substantial knowledge along with his adept writing skills. When he’s not writing, Colby enjoys traveling, cooking, and spending time with his family

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