TUCSON, Ariz. — No. 2 Arizona secured the outright Considerable 12 regular-season title with a dominant 73-57 victory over No. 6 Iowa State on Monday night, fueled by a strong defensive performance and 17 points from Jaden Bradley. The win, coming on the heels of Saturday’s victory against Kansas, solidifies Arizona’s position as a top contender heading into the conference tournament. This Arizona victory marks a significant achievement for coach Tommy Lloyd, giving him 140 wins in his first five seasons – the most in NCAA history.
The Wildcats (28-2, 15-2) controlled the game from the start, utilizing a 15-3 run to close the first half with a 37-25 lead. Iowa State struggled to discover its rhythm offensively, shooting a dismal 29% from the field overall and just 7-of-30 from beyond the arc. Arizona’s defense proved stifling, forcing the Cyclones into difficult shots and limiting their opportunities in the paint. Motiejus Krivas added 13 points for Arizona, contributing to a balanced scoring effort that proved too much for Iowa State to handle.
Lloyd Reaches Historic Milestone
With the win, Arizona coach Tommy Lloyd reached a historic milestone, becoming the fastest coach in NCAA history to 140 victories. Lloyd addressed the home crowd after the game, acknowledging the team’s accomplishment and the strength of the Big 12 conference. “The Big 12 is the best basketball conference in the country,” Lloyd said, “and to win it by a couple of games, it’s pretty impressive. So seize your hats off to these guys right here.” The coach as well addressed recent criticism regarding his team’s physicality, stating, “I suppose the narrative that we were soft is lazy.”
Iowa State Struggles on the Road
Iowa State (24-6, 11-6) came into the game off their first home loss of the season, and the Cyclones’ offensive struggles continued in Tucson. Tamin Lipsey led the team with 17 points, but leading scorer Milan Momcilovic was held to just five points on 2-of-8 shooting. Momcilovic, typically a 51% three-point shooter, went 1-for-5 from beyond the arc, a clear indication of Arizona’s effective defensive strategy. The Cyclones’ shooting woes were particularly evident in the first half, where they shot just 9-of-33 from the floor and 4-of-20 from three-point range.
Key Moments and Game Flow
Arizona’s dominance was evident throughout the second half. Iowa State missed their first eight shots of the half as the Wildcats extended their lead to 16 points. While the Cyclones briefly mounted a comeback with a 10-1 run to pull within seven, Arizona quickly responded, stretching the lead back to 15 and maintaining control for the remainder of the game. The Wildcats’ ability to consistently answer Iowa State’s attempts to close the gap proved crucial in securing the victory. Arizona finished the game shooting 46% from the field and 33% from three-point range, while also dominating the boards with 40 rebounds to Iowa State’s 33.
Looking Ahead
Iowa State will look to rebound from the loss when they travel to play Arizona State on Saturday. Arizona, meanwhile, will face Colorado on Saturday, aiming to maintain their momentum as they prepare for the Big 12 tournament. The Wildcats will enter the tournament as the top seed, with a strong chance of making a deep run in March Madness. The team’s success this season has been built on a combination of strong individual performances and a cohesive team effort, and they will look to continue that trend as they navigate the postseason.
The Arizona Wildcats have established themselves as a force in college basketball, and their recent success is a testament to the leadership of coach Tommy Lloyd and the dedication of his players. As they head into the Big 12 tournament, they will undoubtedly be a team to watch, with the potential to build a significant impact on the national stage.
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