Iowa State vs Arizona: Wildcats Top No. 6 Cyclones to Secure First Big 12 Title
No. 2 Arizona defeated No. 6 Iowa State 73-57 at McKale Center to clinch its first Big 12 regular-season title. Strong defense and balanced scoring powered the Wildcats, while head coach Tommy Lloyd set a Division I record with his 140th win in five seasons.
Iowa State vs Arizona: Wildcats Clinch Big 12 Crown
The Iowa State vs Arizona showdown ended with No. 2 Arizona Wildcats men’s basketball claiming a dominant 73-57 victory over No. 6 Iowa State Cyclones men’s basketball on Monday night.
With the win, Arizona improved to 28-2 overall and 15-2 in conference play. The Wildcats secured their first Big 12 regular-season title and recorded their 10th win against a ranked opponent this season, the most by any Big 12 team in the regular season.
Tommy Lloyd Makes History
The victory also marked a milestone for head coach Tommy Lloyd. He earned his 140th career win, setting a new NCAA Division I record for most victories by a coach in his first five seasons.
Arizona’s consistent dominance this year has reflected Lloyd’s system built on defensive pressure and efficient offense.
Balanced Scoring Lifts Arizona
Jaden Bradley led the Wildcats with 17 points, hitting 9 of 11 free throws. Arizona was nearly perfect at the line, converting 23 of 26 attempts.
Motiejus Krivas added 13 points, including key baskets during a second-half run. Tobe Awaka contributed 10 points and 15 rebounds, controlling the glass. Brayden Burries chipped in 11 points as Arizona shot 54.5 percent in the second half and 45.8 percent overall.
The Wildcats’ efficiency proved decisive despite Iowa State taking 17 more shots.
Arizona Defense Shuts Down Cyclones
Arizona’s defense dictated the game from the start. The Wildcats held Iowa State to a season-low 29.2 percent shooting, including just 7 of 30 from beyond the arc.
Tamin Lipsey scored 17 points for the Cyclones, while Jamarion Batemon added 14. However, leading scorer Milan Momcilovic, the nation’s top 3-point shooter at over 50 percent, was limited to five points on 1-of-5 shooting from deep. Joshua Jefferson also struggled, finishing 2-of-17 from the floor.
Iowa State grabbed 15 offensive rebounds but managed only five second-chance points.
Game-Changing Runs Seal the Result
Arizona closed the first half on a 15-3 run to lead 37-25 at the break. Iowa State shot just 27.3 percent in the opening half.
The Cyclones missed their first eight shots of the second half, allowing Arizona to stretch the lead to 16. Although Iowa State responded with a 10-1 run to cut the margin to seven, the Wildcats answered quickly with another surge to regain full control.
A late three-pointer from Dwayne Aristode extended the advantage, effectively ending any comeback hopes.
Conclusion
The Iowa State vs Arizona matchup showcased why Arizona sits among the nation’s elite. Defensive intensity, efficient free-throw shooting, and timely scoring runs powered the Wildcats to their first Big 12 regular-season title. With momentum on their side and history made under Tommy Lloyd, Arizona now turns its focus toward postseason success.
FAQs
Arizona defeated Iowa State 73-57 to clinch the Big 12 regular-season title.
He set the NCAA Division I record for most wins (140) in a coach’s first five seasons.
Strong defense limited Iowa State to 29.2 percent shooting and 7-of-30 from three-point range.
Who won the Iowa State vs Arizona game?
Arizona defeated Iowa State 73-57 to clinch the Big 12 regular-season title.
What record did Tommy Lloyd break?
He set the NCAA Division I record for most wins (140) in a coach’s first five seasons.
How did Arizona control the game?
Strong defense limited Iowa State to 29.2 percent shooting and 7-of-30 from three-point range.
