Top-ranked Arizona suffered its second consecutive loss Saturday, falling 78-75 in overtime to No. 16 Texas Tech after star freshman Koa Peat exited the game with a lower body injury during the first half.
A Setback for the Wildcats
Peat’s injury forced Arizona coach Tommy Lloyd to adjust his lineup, starting Tobe Awaka and Motiejus Krivas in the second half. Awaka contributed 16 points and 12 rebounds, while Krivas added 10 points and 11 rebounds. Despite this, Arizona was unable to hold a seven-point lead established late in the second half, ultimately needing free throws from Ivan Kharchenkov to force overtime.
Texas Tech was led by Donovan Atwell and JT Toppin, who combined to score the Red Raiders’ first 11 points in overtime and ultimately secured the victory. Atwell hit key three-pointers in both regulation, and overtime.
Implications for Arizona
The loss to Texas Tech marks the end of Arizona’s previously undefeated season. The Wildcats had begun the season with 23 straight wins, including victories over Florida, UConn, and Alabama. This defeat comes after a loss to Kansas earlier in the week.
Coach Lloyd acknowledged the impact of Peat’s absence, stating, “It hurts us a lot, but we had enough to win.” He also noted that the team is undergoing testing to determine the extent of Peat’s “lower leg deal.”
Looking Ahead
Arizona is scheduled to host BYU on Wednesday. Their upcoming schedule includes challenging matchups against No. 3 Houston, No. 5 Iowa State, and a second game against No. 9 Kansas. It remains to be seen how the team will respond to these challenges, particularly if Peat is unable to return to the lineup.
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused Arizona to lose to Texas Tech?
Arizona lost 78-75 in overtime to Texas Tech after star freshman Koa Peat left the game with a lower body injury. Texas Tech outscored Arizona in overtime, led by JT Toppin and Donovan Atwell.
What is the extent of Koa Peat’s injury?
Coach Tommy Lloyd described Peat’s injury as a “lower leg deal” and stated that the team is undergoing testing to determine the extent of the injury.
What is next for the Arizona Wildcats?
Arizona will host BYU on Wednesday as they attempt to end their two-game losing streak. Their schedule includes upcoming games against several other highly ranked teams.
How will Arizona adjust its strategy in the face of key injuries and a challenging schedule?
