UPDATE: The Arizona Wildcats have surged to a 47-32 halftime lead against Norfolk State, thanks to a powerful first half from center Motiejus Krivas. Playing at McKale Center on Saturday, Krivas scored 16 points and grabbed seven rebounds, helping the Wildcats bounce back from a slow start.
The Wildcats, entering the game with a perfect 5-0 record and ranked No. 2 in the Associated Press Top 25 poll, initially struggled. They missed five of their first six shots, allowing Norfolk State to take an 8-7 lead before the first media timeout. However, Krivas’ performance ignited a turnaround that saw Arizona dominate the latter part of the half.
After trailing for much of the first half, Arizona went on a critical 16-4 run that propelled them ahead by double digits. Despite shooting 53.6% from the field, the Wildcats encountered challenges beyond the scoreboard. They missed all five attempts from beyond the arc, including Krivas’ first career 3-point attempt.
In a concerning turn of events, Arizona lost wing Ivan Kharchenkov to an apparent left ankle injury with just over five minutes remaining in the half. Kharchenkov was helped off the court by athletic trainer Justin Kokoskie and did not return for the remainder of the half.
As the game developed, the Wildcats showcased resilience, overcoming an initial sluggishness highlighted by their failure to convert early scoring opportunities. The Spartans managed to take six separate leads during the first half, but Arizona’s late surge shifted the momentum decisively in their favor.
With Jaden Bradley contributing to the scoring run, the Wildcats tied the game at 24 before taking control. As the game progresses, fans will be watching closely to see if Arizona can maintain their lead and secure a victory against a determined Norfolk State team.
Stay tuned for the latest updates as this game unfolds!
