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Key Arizona Players Set to Impact the South Dakota State Matchup

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Key Arizona Players Set to Impact the South Dakota State Matchup


As No. 1 Arizona men’s basketball heads into its non-conference finale against South Dakota State, the Wildcats enter the matchup riding a dominant unbeaten run and showcasing one of the most balanced rosters in the country.

Arizona (12-0) isn’t just winning, it’s doing so with elite offensive efficiency, strong rebounding, and depth scoring and several key contributors will be central in dictating the game’s flow against a scrappy Jackrabbits squad. 

Brayden Burries — Dynamic Scoring Threat

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Dec 22, 2025; Tucson, Arizona, USA; The Bethune-Cookman Wildcats fouls Arizona Wildcats guard Brayden Burries (5) during the second half of the game at McKale Memorial Center. Mandatory Credit: Aryanna Frank-Imagn Images | Aryanna Frank-Imagn Images

At the top on the list of players South Dakota State must contend with is freshman guard Brayden Burries. Burries has emerged as a consistent scoring option, averaging about 14.0 points per game while showing range and confidence from deep.

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His ability to create his own shot and hit timely buckets gives Arizona a go-to scorer when defenses tighten, and his recent 20-point performance against Bethune-Cookman underscored his upside in high-tempo play. 

Burries are dangerous both off the catch and in transition, forcing defenders to commit early and opening space for cutters and shooters alike. Defensively, he’s also shown a willingness to compete, which could be a factor in disrupting South Dakota State’s rhythm.

Koa Peat — Frontcourt Force

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Dec 22, 2025; Tucson, Arizona, USA; Arizona Wildcats forward Koa Peat (10) yells and dunks the ball during the second half of the game against the Bethune-Cookman Wildcats at McKale Memorial Center. Mandatory Credit: Aryanna Frank-Imagn Images | Aryanna Frank-Imagn Images

Inside, forward Koa Peat provides Arizona with a multifaceted threat. Peat is averaging around 13.8 points per game, combining physical intimidation with agility on both ends of the court. His rebounding, defensive rotations, and ability to finish around the rim make him central to Arizona’s inside-out game plan. 

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Peat’s presence in the post demands attention; if the Jackrabbits collapse to stop him, it can open up kick-out opportunities for shooters. Conversely, his ability to face up and attack closeouts creates mismatches that Arizona can exploit.

Jaden Bradley — Playmaking Lead Guard

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Dec 22, 2025; Tucson, Arizona, USA; Arizona Wildcats guard Jaden Bradley (0) makes a three pointer during the first half of the game against the Bethune-Cookman Wildcats at McKale Memorial Center. Mandatory Credit: Aryanna Frank-Imagn Images | Aryanna Frank-Imagn Images

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Another key piece for the Wildcats is guard Jaden Bradley, whose all-around game catalyzes Arizona’s offense. Bradley averages approximately 13.4 points and nearly 4.0 assists per game, serving as the primary distributor and floor general. His decision-making helps maintain offensive fluidity, and his defensive effort, including multiple steals, adds value on both ends. 

Bradley’s versatility allows him to orchestrate pick-and-roll actions, penetrate closeouts, and find open teammates, which is a skill set that will be crucial against South Dakota State’s defensive schemes.

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Supporting Contributors: Dell’Orso, Kharchenkov & Awaka

Dec 20, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Arizona Wildcats forward Tobe Awaka (30) slam dunks the ball against the San Diego State Aztecs in the second half during the Hall of Fame Series at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Arizona’s depth is a strength that’s continued to show up in games. Anthony Dell’Orso has provided scoring punch off the bench, while Ivan Kharchenkov contributes athleticism and defensive intensity. Tobe Awaka’s rebounding and physicality on the boards also help the Wildcats control possession and limit second-chance points. A vital area against a team that thrives in transition.

Matchup Outlook

For Arizona, the keys against South Dakota State will be to impose its tempo, control the paint, and move the ball efficiently to find open shots. With multiple legitimate scoring threats from Burries’ sharpshooting to Peat’s interior play and Bradley’s playmaking the Wildcats present a multifaceted challenge. South Dakota State will need to do more than focus on one player; Arizona’s rotation is deep, and its scoring doesn’t hinge on a single source.

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Nov 7, 2025; Tucson, Arizona, USA; Arizona Wildcats guard Anthony Dell’Orso (3) watches the ball roll during the first half of the game against the Utah Tech Trailblazers at McKale Memorial Center. Mandatory Credit: Aryanna Frank-Imagn Images | Aryanna Frank-Imagn Images

If the Wildcats execute with the same balance and defensive tenacity they’ve shown all season, they should dictate the game’s rhythm and limit the Jackrabbits’ offensive effectiveness.

Tell us how you see the Holiday Bowl playing out for Arizona by commenting on our Facebook page. Also, be sure to follow @NateMartTSports on X for updates on all things Arizona Wildcats.



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Arizona Diamondbacks Gameday Thread, #40: 5/11 @ Rangers

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Arizona Diamondbacks Gameday Thread, #40: 5/11 @ Rangers


Any time we go to Globe Field, memories immediately go back to the 2023 World Series, when we faced the Texas Rangers in this ballpark. It’s interesting to note that neither team has made it back to the postseason since then. Indeed, at least the D-backs have come close: the Rangers failed to post a winning record in 2024 or 2025, missing out on the playoffs by eight and six games respectively. The two sides have similar records right now as well, with Texas’s 19-21 a mere half a game behind Arizona’s 19-20. However, in the mediocre AL West, that’s good enough for the Rangers to be in second, two games back of… the Athletics? Wait, what?

Yeah, the last time before this year the A’s had sole possession of first was June 19, 2021 – y’know, back when they were in a different city, and weren’t embarrassed to name it. But, then, the AL as a whole is strikingly mediocre, with only three teams above .500: the Yankees, Rays and A’s. It’s because just four teams have winning records in interleague play, and none of those are better than 5-4. Right now, the National League is 25 games above .500 in interleague play, at 315-290. Texas are 7-8, taking two of three from the Cubs, Phillies and Pirates, but losing to the Dodgers and getting swept by the Reds (y’know back when they didn’t suck).

Last time the Diamondbacks were here was in August last season, and we took two out of three. We lost the opening game on a walkoff, 7-6, but rebounded to take the next two contests, by margins of 3-2 and 6-4. Andrew Saalfrank got the save in the final game. How long ago that all seems. We’ll see if Michael Soroka can keep the sterling streak of starts going. He was certainly a hard-luck loser last time, allowing just the one run over 6.1 innings. But that was enough in a 1-0 loss. In his last three start, the D-backs have scored a total of two runs, so hopefully he gets a bit more support tonight.



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Where to watch Arizona Diamondbacks vs Texas Rangers: TV channel, start time, streaming for May 11

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Where to watch Arizona Diamondbacks vs Texas Rangers: TV channel, start time, streaming for May 11


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Baseball is back and finding what channel your favorite team is playing on has become a little bit more confusing since MLB announced plans to produce and distribute broadcasts for nearly a third of the league.

We’re here to help. Here’s everything you need to know Monday as the Arizona Diamondbacks visit the Texas Rangers.

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See USA TODAY’s sortable MLB schedule to filter by team or division.

What time is Arizona Diamondbacks vs Texas Rangers?

First pitch between the Texas Rangers and Arizona Diamondbacks is scheduled for 8:05 p.m. (ET) on Monday, May 11.

How to watch Arizona Diamondbacks vs Texas Rangers on Monday

All times Eastern and accurate as of Monday, May 11, 2026, at 6:32 a.m.

Watch MLB all season long with Fubo

MLB regional blackout restrictions apply

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MLB scores, results

MLB scores for May 11 games are available on usatoday.com . Here’s how to access today’s results:

See scores, results for all of today’s games.



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Arizona Diamondbacks Gameday Thread, #39: 5/10 vs. Mets

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Arizona Diamondbacks Gameday Thread, #39: 5/10 vs. Mets


Today’s Lineups METS DIAMONDBACKS Juan Soto – DH Ketel Marte – 2B Bo Bichette – SS Corbin Carroll – RF Austin Slater – LF Geraldo Perdomo – SS Mark Vientos – 1B Adrian Del Castillo – DH Marcus Semien – 2B Ildemaro Vargas – 1B Andy Ibanez – 3B Nolan Arenado – 3B Tyrone Taylor […]



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