(phoenix, December 21, 2025) –
Top-ranked Arizona defeated San Diego State 68-45 Saturday night, relying on stifling defense after a slow offensive start.
- Arizona remains undefeated at 11-0, while San Diego State fell to 6-4.
- The Wildcats held the Aztecs to 26% shooting from the floor and just 1 of 14 from three-point range.
- Tobe Awaka grabbed 15 rebounds for Arizona, leading both teams in that category.
PHOENIX – Koa Peat scored 11 points and Tobe Awaka had 15 rebounds as No. 1 Arizona smothered san Diego State 68-45 on Saturday night in the Naismith Hall of Fame Series. Arizona’s defense proved decisive, holding San Diego State to its lowest point total of the season.
The wildcats (11-0) struggled to establish their usual high-powered offense against a physical San Diego State team (6-4), and instead turned to their defense to control the game. Arizona held San Diego State to 26% shooting overall and a dismal 1 of 14 from beyond the arc,turning a tight contest into a agreeable victory after halftime at the home of the NBA’s Phoenix Suns.
Defensive Dominance
San Diego State presented a significant challenge early, holding Arizona to just one field goal during a 6 1/2-minute stretch and forcing multiple turnovers to build a 19-11 lead. Though, Arizona responded with an 8-0 run to close the first half leading 28-27 despite shooting 1 for 10 from three-point range and committing 10 turnovers.
Arizona tightened its defense even further in the second half, limiting the Aztecs to 3 of 18 shooting and extending their lead to 47-34. San Diego State finished the second half shooting 7 of 28 from the floor and missing all seven three-point attempts.
Reese Dixon-Waters led San Diego State with eight points, while leading scorer BJ Davis was held to just four points on 1-of-12 shooting, according to the Associated Press.
Why It Matters
Arizona’s win underscores the team’s ability to win even when their offense isn’t clicking. This is especially vital as they navigate a challenging schedule and prepare for conference play. The wildcats have now won each of their previous five games by at least 20 points, including victories over No. 16 Alabama and No. 21 Auburn, demonstrating their consistent dominance. Arizona is now one of six remaining unbeaten teams in Division I men’s basketball, following No. 3 Duke’s loss to No. 19 Texas Tech.
San Diego State will host Whittier on Monday, while Arizona will face Bethune-Cookman on Monday.
Why: No.1 Arizona faced a physical San Diego state team in a non-conference matchup of the Naismith Hall of Fame series. Arizona’s offense struggled initially, but their defense ultimately secured the victory.
Who: Arizona (11-0) defeated San Diego state (6-4). Key players for Arizona included Koa Peat (11 points) and Tobe Awaka (15 rebounds). Reese Dixon-Waters led San Diego State with eight points.
