UPDATE: The No. 2 ranked Arizona Wildcats decisively defeated the Norfolk State Spartans with a staggering score of 98-61 Saturday at McKale Center in Tucson. This victory, occurring just hours ago, marks Arizona’s seventh consecutive win, maintaining their undefeated record at 7-0 this season.
Arizona’s imposing size proved too much for the Spartans, who now sit at 4-5. The Wildcats showcased their dominance by outscoring Norfolk State 58-24 in the paint and shooting an impressive 56% from the field, including a remarkable 32 of 46 from the free-throw line. This powerful performance highlighted their physical advantage, which has become a crucial part of their strategy.
Motiejus Krivas led the charge for Arizona, contributing 20 points and shooting 7 of 8 from the floor. Koa Peat and Anthony Dell’Orso added 16 points each, while the team collectively grabbed 17 more rebounds than their opponents, emphasizing their control of the game.
Despite a strong start, the Spartans could not maintain their momentum after an early challenge. They previously achieved a school Division I-record of 136 points in their last game against Virginia University of Lynchburg, but were ultimately outmatched as Arizona surged ahead with a series of inside baskets and three-point plays.
The defeat is a tough blow for Norfolk State as they enter a challenging stretch of away games, under the leadership of coach Robert Jones. Anthony McComb III led the Spartans with 19 points, but it wasn’t enough to turn the tide against the formidable Wildcats.
With Arizona continuing to dominate the court, basketball fans will be watching closely to see how this tall team performs in their upcoming matchups. The Wildcats are poised for a strong season as they aim for NCAA Tournament glory, with their next game scheduled for December 6, 2023.
Stay tuned for more updates as this season unfolds!
