LAS VEGAS — Freshman Koa Peat scored 30 factors to guide No. 13 Arizona to a 93-87 win over third-ranked and defending nationwide champion Florida within the Corridor of Fame Collection on Monday night time.
Peat was spectacular in his school debut, capturing 11 of 18 from the ground and including 7 rebounds and 5 assists. He was fouled whereas grabbing a defensive rebound with 14.2 seconds left and hit his two ensuing free throws to seal the victory in each groups’ season opener.
However it was consecutive dunks by Peat late within the second half that despatched the gang at T-Cellular Area right into a frenzy and punctuated his first school sport.
Jaden Bradley was additionally spectacular, scoring 27 factors, together with 11 of Arizona’s last 18 factors, to assist seal the win.
Ivan Kharchenkov, who shook off an harm late within the first half that despatched him to the locker room, completed with 12 factors for the Wildcats.
Thomas Haugh led Florida with 27 factors, Xaivian Lee scored 14 and Alex Condon and Micah Handlogten every had 11.
The Wildcats shot 49.2% (30 of 61) from the sphere, whereas Florida’s poor second-half capturing (14 of 38, 36.8%) sealed its destiny.
The Gators opened the sport sturdy, pushing their result in 12 factors after hitting 11 of their first 16 pictures.
The Wildcats clamped down on protection and held Florida to 5-for-16 capturing the remainder of the half whereas occurring a 32-16 run by hitting 11 of 18 pictures down the stretch.
Arizona, which shot 50% from the ground within the first half, led 50-46 at halftime.