Welcome to the rivalry: No. 1 Arizona survives Arizona State thanks to Koa Peat’s late-game surge

The latest chapter in the storied Arizona-Arizona State rivalry produced yet another thrilling contest, as the nation’s top-ranked Arizona Wildcats narrowly escaped with a win over their in-state rivals, Arizona State. With both programs boasting rich basketball traditions and a passionate fan base, this matchup always carries extra weight, and Tuesday night was no different. The final scoreline of 89-82 reflected just how competitive and physically demanding the game was, as No. 1 Arizona battled hard to maintain its perfect record on the season.

While the Wildcats ultimately emerged victorious, the game was far from straightforward. Arizona State, long known for its scrappy play and relentless intensity under coach Bobby Hurley, came out with energy, precision, and a clear game plan designed to challenge the nation’s top team. The Sun Devils tested Arizona at multiple positions, especially in the early stages, pushing the Wildcats to adjust on the fly and demonstrate resilience.

TUCSON, ARIZONA – JANUARY 14: Koa Peat #10 of the Arizona Wildcats celebrates after scoring against the Arizona State Sun Devils during the second half of the NCAAB game at McKale Center on January 14, 2026 in Tucson, Arizona. The Wildcats defeated the Sun Devils 89-82. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

Arizona Shows Heart, But Faces Early Challenges

Head coach Tommy Lloyd entered the game with a team accustomed to high expectations. Arizona had rolled through much of its schedule, dominating opponents with both speed and size, but the Sun Devils were prepared to push back. In the first half, Arizona struggled to find consistency offensively, with several of its stars taking time to warm up to the intensity of the rivalry atmosphere. Miscommunications on defense allowed Arizona State to stay within striking distance, and by halftime, it was clear that the Wildcats would need more than raw talent to secure the win.

For Arizona, Koa Peat emerged as a key figure in the second half. The talented forward, who had shown flashes of brilliance earlier in the season, came alive when it mattered most. Peat’s energy, decision-making, and ability to execute under pressure were on full display, serving as a reminder of his importance to the Wildcats’ success. His resurgence in the second half provided both a scoring spark and leadership presence that kept Arizona ahead when the game was at its most tense.

Koa Peat’s Impact on Both Ends of the Court

Peat’s performance was notable not only for the points he scored but also for his overall contribution on both ends of the floor. Defensively, he helped disrupt Arizona State’s offensive flow, contesting shots, boxing out effectively, and providing crucial help defense at key moments. Offensively, he showed a matured approach, selecting the right shots and driving to the basket with confidence. By controlling the pace and demonstrating poise, Peat enabled the Wildcats to maintain their edge even when Arizona State mounted a comeback.

Beyond the numbers, Peat’s impact was psychological. Rivalry games often hinge on momentum swings, and the ability to remain composed under pressure can make the difference between victory and defeat. Peat’s ability to assert himself in the second half shifted the momentum in Arizona’s favor, allowing the team to execute its game plan more effectively while keeping Arizona State at bay.

Contributions Across the Roster

While Peat was the star of the comeback, Arizona’s victory was a collective effort. Ivan Kharchenkov, another rising contributor, provided key points and playmaking, especially in transition and pick-and-roll situations. His ability to read the defense and make the correct pass opened opportunities for teammates, further enhancing Arizona’s offensive efficiency. Similarly, Tobe Awaka provided crucial defensive stops and scoring bursts off the bench, reinforcing the depth that has become a hallmark of the Wildcats’ success this season.

The leadership of upperclassmen and consistent performance from established stars also played a major role. Each player understood the stakes of the rivalry, and their ability to stay disciplined and execute under pressure was evident. Arizona’s balance of youth and experience proved to be the difference-maker when the game reached its final stages.

Arizona State’s Fight and Key Performances

Arizona State, for its part, refused to back down. The Sun Devils displayed characteristic tenacity and were able to keep the game close for much of the second half. Their guards pressured Arizona into turnovers, and their forwards crashed the boards aggressively, challenging the Wildcats in every possession. Key players for ASU delivered timely baskets and smart decision-making, showing why they are consistently competitive in the Pac-12.

Despite ultimately falling short, the Sun Devils’ performance underlined the depth and competitiveness of the rivalry. Each possession was contested, each defensive stop required focus and effort, and the intensity rarely relented. This kind of competition not only tests individual players but also forces coaches to make real-time adjustments, something both Tommy Lloyd and Bobby Hurley had to navigate throughout the night.

Coaching Adjustments and Strategy

From a coaching perspective, the game highlighted the tactical chess match that occurs in high-level rivalry contests. Lloyd’s approach emphasized controlling the pace and exploiting Arizona State’s defensive weaknesses, while Hurley sought to capitalize on the Wildcats’ early hesitancy and physicality inside. By halftime, adjustments were necessary, particularly to shore up defensive rotations and manage Arizona State’s perimeter threats.

In the second half, Peat’s emergence allowed Lloyd to maintain flexibility in rotations while leaning on his key players at critical moments. The Wildcats’ ability to mix offensive schemes, from pick-and-rolls to off-ball movement, forced Arizona State into a reactive posture. The end result was a hard-fought victory that showcased not only the players’ skills but also the effectiveness of coaching strategy in high-pressure situations.

TUCSON, ARIZONA – JANUARY 14: Maurice Odum #5 of the Arizona State Sun Devils attempts a shot over Koa Peat #10 of the Arizona Wildcats during the first half of the NCAAB game at McKale Center on January 14, 2026 in Tucson, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

Significance of the Rivalry

This matchup reaffirmed the enduring significance of the Arizona-Arizona State rivalry. Beyond conference standings and national rankings, these games carry pride, history, and bragging rights that extend well beyond the final buzzer. For the Wildcats, maintaining their perfect record was important, but equally vital was asserting dominance over an in-state rival, which can have lasting impacts on recruiting, fan support, and program momentum.

For Arizona State, the narrow loss was a reminder that they can compete at the highest levels and challenge elite programs when executing their game plan. Rivalry games are about more than wins and losses—they are about culture, intensity, and the collective spirit of a team and its supporters.

Looking Ahead for Arizona

With the victory secured, Arizona remains undefeated, a testament to their talent, depth, and resilience. The Wildcats now turn their attention to upcoming matchups, where maintaining intensity and focus will be crucial. Peat’s performance in particular serves as a blueprint for how the team can rely on its younger stars to step up in high-pressure situations.

Coach Lloyd will likely continue to emphasize defensive intensity, composure under pressure, and balanced scoring options as the season progresses. The ability to win tough games like this one, where the opponent refuses to relent, will be a defining factor in Arizona’s pursuit of a national championship.

Conclusion

The 89-82 win over Arizona State was a hard-earned triumph for Arizona, showcasing the importance of resilience, tactical adjustments, and individual excellence. Koa Peat’s second-half resurgence highlighted the potential of Arizona’s young stars to influence critical moments, while the collective effort of the roster and coaching staff underscored why the Wildcats are the top-ranked team in the nation.

For fans of the rivalry, the game delivered excitement, intensity, and drama, reminding everyone why these in-state matchups are must-watch events. As the Wildcats continue their campaign, the lessons learned from this contest—particularly the value of stepping up under pressure and staying disciplined through adversity—will be key to maintaining their dominance on the national stage.

Ultimately, Arizona’s narrow victory serves as a reminder that in the heat of a rivalry, every possession counts, and true champions are defined not only by their talent but also by their ability to rise to the occasion. Koa Peat’s performance will be remembered as a defining moment in this chapter of the rivalry, one that kept the Wildcats perfect and reinforced the intense competitive spirit that makes college basketball so compelling.