No. 2 Arizona tops Iowa State to win outright Big 12 title - ESPN
ESPN
March 3, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
No. 2 Arizona secured an outright Big 12 regular-season title with a dominant 73-57 victory over No. 6 Iowa State on Monday night. The Wildcats' strong performance, highlighted by Jaden Bradley's 17 points and Motiejus Krivas' 13-point contribution, solidified their position at the top of the conference standings. Arizona's defensive intensity was key, as they limited Iowa State to just 29% shooting from the field and 7 of 30 from beyond the arc. This win marked head coach Tommy Lloyd's 140th victory in his first five seasons, a new NCAA record.
The game was a follow-up to Arizona's earlier triumph over Kansas, where they had already secured at least a share of the conference title. Against Iowa State, the Wildcats turned up the defensive pressure, particularly in the second half when they extended their lead to 16 points. Despite Iowa State's efforts to rally, including a brief 10-1 run, Arizona's offense remained efficient, with key players like Tamin Lipsey and Jaden Echols contributing crucial baskets. The Cyclones' struggles were evident, as leading scorer Milan Momcilovic was held to just five points on 2-of-8 shooting.
The victory is a testament to Arizona's balanced scoring and defensive prowess, which has positioned them as strong contenders for the upcoming Big 12 Conference tournament and potentially the NCAA March Madness. Head coach Tommy Lloyd praised his team's ability to handle Iowa State's physicality, emphasizing that the Big 12 is one of the best basketball conferences in the country. This win not only cements Arizona's legacy in conference history but also sets the stage for an exciting postseason run.
For sports fans, this game highlights the competitive nature of the Big 12 conference and reinforces why it is considered one of the top tier college basketball leagues. Arizona's dominance over both Kansas and Iowa State underscores their status as a powerhouse program under Lloyd's leadership. With a healthy roster and a proven ability to perform under pressure, the Wildcats are poised to make a deep run in the postseason, making this win a significant milestone for the team and its fans.
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Originally published on ESPN on 3/3/2026