No. 2 Arizona freshmen dominate Denver with career-high performances

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Arizona Wildcats guard Brayden Burries (5) attempts to shoot over Denver Pioneers forward Jeremiah Burke (0) during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game, Monday, Nov. 24, 2025, in Tucson, Ariz. (AP Photo/Darryl Webb)

Arizona Wildcats guard Brayden Burries, left, slaps hands with Ivan Kharchenkov (8) during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game against Denver, Monday, Nov. 24, 2025, in Tucson, Ariz. (AP Photo/Darryl Webb) — Arizona Wildcats guard Brayden Burries (5) attempts to shoot over Denver Pioneers forward Jeremiah Burke (0) during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game, Monday, Nov. 24, 2025, in Tucson, Ariz. (AP Photo/Darryl Webb)

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9:42 PM on Monday, November 24

The Associated Press

TUCSON, Ariz. (AP) — Brayden Burries and Ivan Kharchenkov each scored a career-high 20 points and No. 2 Arizona got 72 points from freshmen in a 103-73 win over Denver on Monday night.

Burries was 7 of 13 from the field, making 3 of 7 from 3-point range, and added seven rebounds, four assists and two steals, while Kharchenkov was 9 for 12 from the field as the Wildcats (6-0) won their 41st consecutive home game against an unranked opponent.

Fellow freshman Dwayne Aristode had a career high with 17 points, making 4 of 8 from 3-point range, while Tobe Awaka and Koa Peat each had 12 points. Awaka added 15 rebounds for his second double-double of the season as Arizona won the rebounding battle 50-29.

The Wildcats reached 100 points for the 18th time under fifth-year coach Tommy Lloyd.

Carson Johnson scored 18 points and Zane Nelson added 17 for Denver. The Pioneers (2-4) shot 40% and turned it over 15 times leading to 23 points for Arizona.

Down 56-28 at halftime, Denver scored 15 points in the first four and a half minutes of the second half but couldn’t get closer than 23 points. Arizona shot 63.3% in the second half and 56.9% for the game.

Arizona jumped to a 13-0 lead, holding the Pioneers scoreless for the first five-plus minutes and without a field goal for more than six minutes. A 21-2 run put the Wildcats up 35-7 with 7:39 left in the first half.

Denver started 2 of 17 from the field before making 6 of 11 to finish the half.

Up next

Denver: The Pioneers visit Wyoming on Wednesday.

Arizona: The Wildcats host Norfolk State on Saturday.

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