No. 1 Arizona Sets School Record with 22nd Straight Win to Start Season

Wildcats beat rival Arizona State 87-74 to remain one of two unbeaten teams in the nation

Jan. 31, 2026 at 4:31pm

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The No. 1 ranked Arizona Wildcats defeated the Arizona State Sun Devils 87-74 on Saturday, setting a school record with their 22nd straight win to start the season. Arizona is now one of just two unbeaten teams left in the nation, along with Miami (Ohio). The Wildcats shot 60% in the second half to pull away from the gritty Sun Devils, who cut into the deficit several times but couldn't keep pace.

Why it matters

Arizona's historic start to the season has them firmly in the national championship conversation, as they look to cap off an undefeated regular season and make a deep run in the NCAA Tournament. The rivalry game against Arizona State also showcased the depth and talent of the Wildcats' roster, with multiple players stepping up to contribute.

The details

Freshman Koa Peat led Arizona with 21 points, while fellow freshman Brayden Burries added 17. The Wildcats scored the first six points out of halftime to take a 44-38 lead and never trailed again. Arizona State's Noah Meeusen scored 16 points and Maurice Odum added 15, but the Sun Devils couldn't overcome the Wildcats' hot shooting in the second half.

  • Arizona set a school record with their 22nd straight win to start the season.
  • The Wildcats' winning streak also tied the Big 12 record to start a season, originally set by Kansas in 1996-97.

The players

Koa Peat

A freshman who led Arizona with 21 points in the win.

Brayden Burries

A freshman who scored 17 points for the Wildcats.

Noah Meeusen

Scored 16 points for Arizona State in the loss.

Maurice Odum

Added 15 points for the Sun Devils.

Motiejus Krivas

Fought through foul trouble to finish with 15 points for Arizona.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

The takeaway

Arizona's historic start to the season has them firmly in the national championship conversation, as they look to cap off an undefeated regular season and make a deep run in the NCAA Tournament. The rivalry game against Arizona State also showcased the depth and talent of the Wildcats' roster, with multiple players stepping up to contribute.