Arizona Asserts Frontcourt Dominance as Top Interior Scoring Team

Wildcats average over 62 points in the paint per 100 possessions, led by six players scoring 5+ PPG inside

Feb. 3, 2026 at 9:23pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Arizona Wildcats have asserted their dominance as the top interior scoring team in college basketball this season, averaging over 45 points per game in the paint. Led by true freshman forward Koa Peat's 10 PPG in the paint, the Wildcats have six players averaging over 5 points per game in the paint, showcasing their versatility and balance in the frontcourt. Arizona's ability to score consistently inside has been a major factor in their 22-game winning streak to start the 2025-26 season.

Why it matters

Arizona's dominance in the paint is a key reason for their undefeated start and top-5 ranking in KenPom's adjusted offensive efficiency. Their ability to score inside has allowed them to overcome a lack of three-point shooting, as opponents struggle to contain their balanced frontcourt attack.

The details

Per CBB Analytics, Arizona is averaging over 62 points per 100 possessions in the paint, which ranks first nationally. In total, the Wildcats are scoring 45.5 points per game in the paint. Six Arizona players are averaging over 5 points per game in the paint, led by Koa Peat (10.0 PPG), Motiiejus Krivas (6.7 PPG), Tobe Awaka (6.6 PPG), Brayden Burries (6.5 PPG), Ivan Kharchenkov (5.5 PPG), and Jaden Bradley (5.2 PPG). Awaka, Kharchenkov, Krivas and Peat all score more than 50% of their points in the paint, with Awaka and Peat ranking in the 63rd and 65th percentiles nationally in that metric.

  • Arizona has won 22 straight games to start the 2025-26 season.

The players

Koa Peat

A true freshman forward for Arizona who is leading the team with 10.0 points per game in the paint.

Motiiejus Krivas

Arizona's center who is second on the team with 6.7 points per game in the paint, and scores 60.9% of his points in the paint.

Tobe Awaka

An Arizona forward who scores 66.7% of his points in the paint, which ranks in the 63rd percentile nationally.

Brayden Burries

An Arizona player averaging 6.5 points per game in the paint.

Ivan Kharchenkov

An Arizona forward who scores 58.4% of his points in the paint, ranking in the 49th percentile nationally.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Top paint scoring teams in college basketball Florida, Arizona, and MIAMI... Feel like the Hurricanes get no love as one of the best inside scoring teams in the country”

— Brandon Meeks

The takeaway

Arizona's dominance in the paint has been a major factor in their undefeated start to the season, as their balanced frontcourt attack has overwhelmed opponents despite their lack of three-point shooting. The Wildcats' ability to score consistently inside has made them one of the most efficient offenses in the country.