Arizona Wildcats Defeat UCF Knights in Big 12 Tournament Quarterfinals

Second-ranked Arizona advances with an 81-59 victory over eighth-seeded UCF

Mar. 12, 2026 at 9:35pm

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The second-ranked Arizona Wildcats defeated the eighth-seeded UCF Knights 81-59 in the quarterfinals of the Big 12 Tournament. Brayden Burries led the Wildcats with 21 points, while Tobe Awaka recorded a double-double with 12 points and 12 rebounds.

Why it matters

This victory keeps Arizona's hopes alive for a deep tournament run and potential national championship contention. For UCF, the loss ends their tournament hopes but the Knights can still build on their successful season.

The details

Arizona jumped out to a big first-half lead, but UCF was able to cut into the deficit before the Wildcats pulled away again in the second half. Burries and Awaka were the standout performers for Arizona, who showcased their offensive firepower and defensive intensity throughout the game.

  • The game was played on Thursday, March 12, 2026 in the quarterfinals of the Big 12 Tournament.

The players

Brayden Burries

The leading scorer for the Arizona Wildcats, pouring in 21 points in the victory.

Tobe Awaka

The Arizona forward recorded a double-double with 12 points and 12 rebounds.

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What they’re saying

“We knew UCF would put up a fight, but our guys really stepped up and made the plays we needed to advance.”

— Sean Miller, Head Coach, Arizona Wildcats (washingtonpost.com)

What’s next

Arizona will face the winner of the Kansas-Baylor quarterfinal matchup in the Big 12 Tournament semifinals on Saturday.

The takeaway

Arizona's dominant performance showcases their status as one of the top teams in the country and a legitimate national championship contender, while UCF's valiant effort demonstrates the program's continued growth and bright future.