Arizona Wins Big 12 Title Outright

This marks Arizona's first Big 12 regular-season title, accomplished in just their second season in the conference. The Wildcats finished the regular season with a 28-2 overall record and a 15-2 mark in Big 12 play. The victory represents the program's 41st overall conference championship. In the title-clinching 73-57 victory over No. 6 Iowa State, senior Jaden Bradley led the Wildcats with 17 points in his final home game. Senior Tobe Awaka was a force off the bench, recording a double-double with 10 points and 15 rebounds, while junior center Motiejus Krivas added 13 points. Arizona's defense held the Cyclones to just 29% shooting from the field. The University of Arizona, along with Arizona State, Colorado, and Utah, officially joined the Big 12 Conference on August 2, 2024, after a 45-year tenure in the Pac-12. In their nearly two seasons in the new league, the Wildcats have compiled a 29-8 record against conference opponents. Head coach Tommy Lloyd has now won three conference titles in his first five years at Arizona, with the previous two coming in the Pac-12. Since his arrival in 2021, Lloyd has compiled a record of 140-35 and holds the NCAA record for the most wins by a head coach in his first two seasons (61). This season, the Wildcats have been one of the most efficient teams in the nation, ranking in the top 15 nationally in points per game and top 20 in offensive rating. The team also boasts a top-10 defense in terms of defensive rating. With the regular-season crown, Arizona has secured the No. 1 seed and a double-bye in the upcoming Phillips 66 Big 12 Men's Basketball Tournament in Kansas City. Their dominant season positions them as a strong candidate for a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament. The program is seeking its first Final Four appearance since 2001 and its first National Championship since 1997. Under Lloyd, the Wildcats have reached the Sweet 16 in three of the last four NCAA Tournaments.