UPDATE: The Arizona Wildcats have surged to a commanding 47-32 halftime lead against the Norfolk State Spartans at McKale Center on Saturday. Center Motiejus Krivas played a pivotal role, scoring 16 points and grabbing 7 rebounds to help the Wildcats recover from a sluggish start.
Early in the game, Arizona struggled as they missed five of their first six shots, allowing Norfolk State to take an early 8-7 lead. However, Krivas ignited the Wildcats’ offense, contributing significantly to a decisive 16-4 run that pushed Arizona ahead by double digits for the remainder of the half.
Despite their strong lead, Arizona faced a setback when wing Ivan Kharchenkov twisted his left ankle under the basket with just over five minutes remaining in the first half. Kharchenkov did not return to the game after being assisted off the court by athletic trainer Justin Kokoskie. His absence could impact the Wildcats in the second half.
As the game progressed, the Wildcats demonstrated resilience, shooting 53.6% from the field. However, they struggled from beyond the arc, missing all five of their three-point attempts. Brayden Burries added 10 points to Arizona’s tally, contributing to the team’s overall effort.
The Wildcats entered this matchup with a perfect 5-0 record and ranked No. 2 in the Associated Press Top 25 poll. Their performance, while shaky at times, showcased their ability to rally when needed, setting the stage for what could be a thrilling second half.
Stay tuned for updates as the game unfolds and see if Arizona can maintain their momentum to secure a victory against Norfolk State. This matchup is critical as the Wildcats aim to preserve their undefeated streak and solidify their position in the national rankings.
