Big performance by Ivan Kharchenkov not enough for Arizona vs. UCLA

Ivan Kharchenkov scored 38 points, but Arizona couldn't overcome a 16-point second-half deficit, losing 84-75 to UCLA in Las Vegas in the season opener on Monday night. Kharchenkov's 38 points were the most for an Arizona player since Azuolas Tubelis scored 40 in a 91-76 win over Oregon on February 2, 2023.

Kharchenkov kept Arizona in the game throughout the first half. The German sophomore scored 18 points in the first half as Arizona trailed 43-29 at the break. Kharchenkov made 6-of-11 shots from the field in the first half. The rest of the Arizona team made 2-of-16 field-goal attempts in the first half.

Kharchenkov continued the dominant play he had during Arizona's European tour this summer. He also resumed the well-rounded play he displayed as a role player during Arizona's 2026 Final Four run. Kharchenkov had 10 rebounds, one steal and one assist and went 12-of-16 from the foul line.

Kharchenkov's dominant performance came while Motiejus Krivas scored only eight points on 2-of-4 from the field. Derek Dixon scored 16 of his 18 points in the second half and was the only other Arizona player in double figures.