Arizona Wildcats Win Big 12 Title
The Arizona Wildcats secured the Big 12 regular-season basketball title with a decisive win over Iowa State. This marks a milestone for the team in their first season in the conference and boosts their prospects heading into March Madness. The Wildcats' disciplined play and offensive efficiency were key factors in clinching the championship.
The title-clinching 73-57 victory over No. 6 Iowa State was powered by a stifling defense. The Wildcats held the Cyclones to a season-low 29.2% shooting from the field. Senior guard Jaden Bradley led the scoring with 17 points, while Tobe Awaka dominated the boards with a 10-point, 15-rebound double-double. This marks the program's 41st conference championship in its history and the third regular-season conference title in five years under head coach Tommy Lloyd. The victory was also Lloyd's 140th career win, a record for a head coach in their first five seasons. While this is the Wildcats' first Big 12 regular-season title, it comes in their second season in the conference, which they joined in 2024-25. Over their two seasons in the competitive league, Arizona has amassed a strong 29-8 record in conference play. The team's success has been driven by a mix of veteran leadership and new talent. Senior Jaden Bradley and freshman Brayden Burries form one of the nation's top backcourts, while the frontcourt is anchored by the physicality of players like Tobe Awaka. With the regular-season crown secured, Arizona enters the Phillips 66 Big 12 Tournament as the No. 1 seed. This position earns them a double-bye, meaning they will not play until the quarterfinal round in Kansas City. Analysts project Arizona as a potential No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament, thanks to a fast-paced, physical style and key non-conference wins. However, the program will look to overcome recent history, as they have not advanced past the Sweet Sixteen in four previous tournament appearances under coach Tommy Lloyd.
