Arizona Wildcats fall to Utah despite Sugapong's career-high 31 points

Sumayah Sugapong sets new personal best, but Arizona loses regular season finale

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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The Arizona Wildcats concluded their regular season with an 81-67 loss to the Utah Utes on Saturday night. Despite a career-high 31 points from Sumayah Sugapong, who shot 12-of-19 from the field and 6-of-10 from 3-point range, Arizona was unable to overcome Utah's strong start and fell short.

Why it matters

The loss drops Arizona's final regular season record to 12-17 overall and 3-15 in Big 12 play. They will now enter the Big 12 Tournament as either the No. 14 or No. 15 seed, facing an uphill battle to extend their season.

The details

In addition to Sugapong's standout performance, Noelani Cornfield added 20 points and 9 assists for the Wildcats. As a team, Arizona shot 44.8% from the field and 42.9% from 3-point range, but Utah built a big lead early and was able to maintain control throughout the game.

  • The game was played on Saturday, February 28, 2026 at the Jon M. Huntsman Center in Salt Lake City, Utah.
  • Arizona concluded its regular season with this loss.

The players

Sumayah Sugapong

A standout player for the Arizona Wildcats who set a new career-high with 31 points in the loss to Utah.

Noelani Cornfield

A key contributor for Arizona, scoring 20 points and dishing out 9 assists in the regular season finale.

Utah Utes

The home team that defeated Arizona, building a big lead early and maintaining control throughout the game.

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What they’re saying

“Sumayah Sugapong had an incredible individual performance, but we just couldn't overcome Utah's strong start. We'll regroup and look to make a run in the Big 12 Tournament.”

— Arizona Head Coach

What’s next

Arizona will enter the Big 12 Tournament next Wednesday as either the No. 14 or No. 15 seed, depending on the outcome of UCF's game against Houston on Sunday. They will face the No. 11 or No. 10 seed in the opening round, respectively.

The takeaway

Despite Sugapong's career night, Arizona's disappointing regular season came to an end with this loss to Utah. The Wildcats will need to regroup quickly if they hope to make a deep run in the Big 12 Tournament and extend their season.