Arizona fans enjoyed a confident start to the 2026‑27 men’s basketball season as the Wildcats cruised to a 104-84 win over Cal Poly on Thursday night at the ALKEME Arena inside the historic McKale Center. The victory marked the Wildcats’ 52nd win in 53 November games played at McKale since the 2012‑13 season, underscoring the program’s long‑standing home‑court advantage.
Offensive firepower and record‑setting performances
Senior guard Motiejus Krivas delivered a career‑high 30 points, shooting an efficient 10‑of‑13 from the field and 10‑of‑12 from the free‑throw line. Krivas also contributed eight rebounds and two blocks, showcasing his all‑around impact. Ivan Kharchenkov followed his career‑best 38‑point effort against UCLA with a solid 16 points, ten rebounds, seven assists and four steals, reinforcing his role as a versatile playmaker.
Junior forward Caleb Holt added 21 points and eight rebounds, while sophomore guard Cameron Holmes chipped in 13 points, including a crucial three‑pointer and a dunk off a steal in the second half. The Wildcats shot 54.5% from the field and forced Cal Poly into 19 turnovers, highlighting the team’s balanced attack and defensive intensity.
Defensive dominance and historic steal total
Arizona’s defense was a key factor, limiting Cal Poly to 43.9% shooting and recording 14 steals – the most by the Wildcats in three years. The pressure forced the Mustangs into a series of rushed shots and contributed to a comfortable lead that never waned.
After establishing a 59‑41 halftime advantage – the most points in a first half since the 2023‑24 opener against Morgan State – the Wildcats continued to extend the margin. A 12‑point run late in the game pushed the lead to 25 points, sealing the win.
Key moments and player contributions
Early in the game, Cal Poly was called for five fouls within the first 56 seconds, allowing Arizona to jump to an 11‑3 lead. Freshman Bryce James added five points, two assists, two steals and a rebound in 17 minutes, providing a spark off the bench.
Cal Poly briefly narrowed the gap to a single‑digit margin twice, capitalizing on a couple of Wildcats turnovers. However, Arizona responded with a 9‑0 run followed by a decisive 13‑0 spurt that featured nine points from Holmes, solidifying the lead.
Looking ahead
The Wildcats return to the court Tuesday for a home matchup against Northern Arizona University, a final tune‑up before a challenging road stretch that begins on Nov. 13 at Auburn. With the offense clicking and the defense imposing, Arizona appears well‑positioned to contend for conference honors this season.
Fans can expect continued strong performances from Krivas, Kharchenkov, and the supporting cast as the team builds momentum heading into the heart of the Pac‑12 schedule.
Original reporting: Arizona Desert Swarm (Tucson Sports) — read the source article.
