No. 10 Arizona Takes Down No. 8 BYU in Provo

#10 Arizona Takes Down #8 BYU in Provo

Arizona 39
BYU 31

Second-year Flyhalf Saxon Gerstl orchestrated the Wildcat attack to a statement win. (Photo credits: Josh Pearson)

Mar 10- Arizona traveled to Provo this past weekend for two important matches as the Wildcats continue their march toward the 2026 postseason. Taking on 8th-ranked BYU in chilly conditions, Arizona required a full team effort against the Cougars in front of a large, loud South Field crowd.

The hosts made the fast start, breaking two tackles for a long-distance try to make it 7–0 in the 27th minute. The Wildcats responded soon after, working their way into the BYU 22 and building phases that resulted in a Parker Beilke try in the right corner to make it 7–5. The Cougars pounced on an Arizona turnover deep in their half, pushing the lead to 14–5 in the 35th minute. BYU penalties cracked open the door late in the half, with Saxon Gerstl taking advantage to close the deficit to 14–8. The Wildcats would get one final opportunity just before the break, with the Arizona forwards mauling in a try from close range that Henry Langrish touched down to make it 14–13 at halftime.

The second half saw Arizona settle into the game, with scrumhalf Connor McIsaac leading the charge. Spotting a gap, McIsaac attacked the space before putting Beilke through for the winger’s second try of the game, converted by Matteo Berenger to make it 20–14. The Cougars applied pressure soon after, forcing a mistake that resulted in a try to give the hosts the lead at 21–20 in the 50th minute.

Arizona responded immediately. Center Nick Morgan barreled through defenders after a well-worked maul to restore the lead at 27–21 on the next possession. A McIsaac quick tap from a BYU penalty created another attacking opportunity that the Arizona forwards capitalized on, with Langrish scoring his second try to make it 32–21 in the 58th minute.

The final quarter of the match featured some dogged Arizona defense, with the resulting pressure creating further attacking opportunities. A Gerstl line break set up Berenger for the finishing touches in the 65th minute, as the captain sealed the win with a try from close range.

“This was a heavyweight fight, with two physical sides gearing up and finding that next level of play as the season progresses. I’m incredibly proud of our effort from 1–23, because winning on the road is tough and we had to problem solve as a team. The halftime vibe was confident. We knew the mistakes to clean up, some simple adjustments, and the boys took ownership of not just the errors but also the solutions — exactly how it should be,” said Director of Rugby Sean Duffy.

The win for #10 Arizona over #8 BYU will likely alter the landscape as the postseason approaches in April. For now, the focus for the Wildcats is on finishing the regular season strong, with a bye this week before a trip to Canada to take on Trinity Western University.

Arizona’s 2nd XV also took the field this weekend, falling 28–21 to BYU’s 2nd XV on Friday night.

Arizona's full schedule can be found here.

Scoring vs BYU

Tries: Beilke (2), Langrish (2), Morgan, Berenger

Pen: Gerstl- 1/1

Conv: Gerstl- 0/2, Berenger- 3/4

Arizona vs BYU