Brayden Burries Shines as No. 1 Arizona Survives BYU’s Late Surge, Stays Unbeaten

College Sports · By Marcus Chen · January 27, 2026
Brayden Burries Shines as No. 1 Arizona Survives BYU’s Late Surge, Stays Unbeaten
Top-ranked Arizona extended its unbeaten run in dramatic fashion Monday night, edging out No. 13 BYU 86-83 in a contest that lived up to the high stakes of a top-15 clash. The Wildcats’ victory was anchored by a career night from Brayden Burries, who poured in 29 points and delivered a game-saving defensive play in the waning moments. Arizona entered the matchup as the nation’s top team, while BYU, ranked 13th, aimed to pull off a statement win on the road. The Wildcats built a lead behind Burries’ scoring outburst but faced a fierce late rally from the Cougars, who refused to back down.
  • Burries led all scorers with 29 points, maximizing his impact on both ends of the floor.
  • Arizona’s win kept their unblemished record intact as the season’s intensity ramps up.
  • BYU mounted a furious comeback attempt in the final minutes, putting the Wildcats on their heels.
As the clock ticked down, BYU trimmed Arizona’s lead to just three with a series of clutch baskets. With seconds remaining, the Cougars had a chance to tie the game. But Burries, already the night’s offensive hero, rose to the occasion defensively, blocking a potential game-tying shot in the final moments. Burries’ combination of scoring and defense proved decisive. His 29 points were a season-high, and his last-second block preserved Arizona’s perfect record. The Wildcats now face heightened expectations as they continue their run atop the college basketball rankings. The contest highlighted Arizona’s resilience under pressure. Despite BYU’s late surge, the Wildcats held firm—thanks in large part to Burries’ poised playmaking in both the scoring column and on the defensive end. For BYU, the narrow loss showcased their ability to compete with the nation’s elite, a positive sign as they look ahead to the remainder of their schedule. Arizona’s unbeaten streak remains one of college basketball’s top storylines as the regular season continues. With every win, the spotlight on the Wildcats and their star contributors like Burries grows brighter.

Sources

  1. [1]ESPN College Sports