Arizona dominates Big 12, sets sights on long overdue Final Four return
TOI GLOBAL DESK | TOI GLOBAL | Mar 04, 2026, 02:30 IST
Arizona dominates Big 12, sets sights on long overdue Final Four return
Arizona has emerged as one of the most dangerous teams in college basketball, improving to 28-2 after capturing the Big 12 title with a 73-57 win over No. 7 Iowa State. Ranked second nationally, the Wildcats boast 14 Quad 1 victories and recent wins over top programs like Kansas and Iowa State. Coach Tommy Lloyd has guided a balanced roster in which all five starters average double figures, while key contributors like Tobe Awaka provide depth off the bench. Point guard Jaden Bradley’s steady play has added confidence entering March Madness. Despite the talent and résumé, postseason history lingers, as Arizona has not reached the Final Four since 2001 and has endured multiple early exits as a high seed. Still, this team’s defense, poise and experience suggest it may finally be prepared to overcome past disappointments and make a deep tournament run.
The Arizona Wildcats look like one of the most dangerous teams in college basketball right now. They are 28-2, ranked No. 2 in the country, and just won the tough Big 12 Conference title. After beating No. 7 Iowa State Cyclones 73-57, Arizona made another strong statement before March Madness.
Coach Tommy Lloyd has guided this team with calm confidence all season. “They’ve been on a mission all year,” he said after the win. And it shows. Arizona has 14 Quad 1 wins and has beaten top teams again and again. They recently handled Kansas and then shut down Iowa State with strong defense.
This team is balanced and all five starters score in double figures. Even sixth man Tobe Awaka stepped up with 10 points and 15 rebounds against Iowa State. That kind of depth makes Arizona tough to guard. They do not depend on just one star. That is different from teams like the Duke Blue Devils, where much of the scoring load falls on players like Cameron Boozer.
Point guard Jaden Bradley has also been steady. He posted 17 points in the win over Iowa State and controlled the pace. “We’re going to be scary,” Bradley said confidently. His experience at guard could be key in close tournament games.
Still, history is not on Arizona’s side. Since 2001, when Lute Olson led the program to its last Final Four, Arizona has had many high seeds but no Final Four trips. Eleven times in the past 24 seasons, the Wildcats were seeded No. 4 or better and still fell short. In recent years, Sweet 16 exits have become a painful pattern.
That is why some fans will hesitate when filling out their brackets. The talent is clear. The defense is strong. The record is impressive. But March has not been kind to Arizona.
This year feels a little different. The Wildcats defend hard, move the ball well, and do not panic. They have beaten teams they might see again in the second weekend of the tournament. If they play the same way in March, they have a real chance to change the story.
Arizona has everything needed for a deep run. Now the only question is whether they can finally leave the past behind and finish the job when it matters most.
Coach Tommy Lloyd has guided this team with calm confidence all season. “They’ve been on a mission all year,” he said after the win. And it shows. Arizona has 14 Quad 1 wins and has beaten top teams again and again. They recently handled Kansas and then shut down Iowa State with strong defense.
This team is balanced and all five starters score in double figures. Even sixth man Tobe Awaka stepped up with 10 points and 15 rebounds against Iowa State. That kind of depth makes Arizona tough to guard. They do not depend on just one star. That is different from teams like the Duke Blue Devils, where much of the scoring load falls on players like Cameron Boozer.
Point guard Jaden Bradley has also been steady. He posted 17 points in the win over Iowa State and controlled the pace. “We’re going to be scary,” Bradley said confidently. His experience at guard could be key in close tournament games.
Still, history is not on Arizona’s side. Since 2001, when Lute Olson led the program to its last Final Four, Arizona has had many high seeds but no Final Four trips. Eleven times in the past 24 seasons, the Wildcats were seeded No. 4 or better and still fell short. In recent years, Sweet 16 exits have become a painful pattern.
That is why some fans will hesitate when filling out their brackets. The talent is clear. The defense is strong. The record is impressive. But March has not been kind to Arizona.
This year feels a little different. The Wildcats defend hard, move the ball well, and do not panic. They have beaten teams they might see again in the second weekend of the tournament. If they play the same way in March, they have a real chance to change the story.
Arizona has everything needed for a deep run. Now the only question is whether they can finally leave the past behind and finish the job when it matters most.