Arizona Wildcats Triumph Over Texas Tech to Reach Big 12 Championship

In a thrilling Big 12 Tournament semifinal on March 14, 2025, the Arizona Wildcats secured an 86-80 victory over the Texas Tech Red Raiders at the T-Mobile Center in Kansas City, Missouri.

Caleb Love was instrumental in Arizona’s win, delivering an impressive 27 points on 10-of-15 shooting, including 5-of-8 from beyond the arc. His offensive prowess set the tone for the Wildcats, especially in the first half, where he tallied 17 points.

An interesting aspect is how this win not only boosts Arizona’s confidence but also positions them as a strong contender for an NCAA Tournament bid, given their impressive performance against a top-seeded team in their debut Big 12 Tournament.

Beyond Love’s standout performance, Arizona showcased depth and versatility:

• Trey Townsend:: Continued his consistent play with 15 points, marking his third consecutive game in double figures.
• KJ Lewis: Contributed 12 points off the bench, along with eight rebounds and six assists, despite dealing with a sore right wrist.

The Wildcats displayed efficient shooting, hitting 50.8% from the field and 50% from three-point range.

The Red Raiders faced significant challenges:

• Injuries: Key players Darrion Williams and Chance McMillian were sidelined due to injuries, impacting Texas Tech’s rotation.
• JT Toppin’s Condition: The Big 12 Player of the Year, JT Toppin, battled illness during the game, limiting his effectiveness to 10 points and five rebounds in 24 minutes.

Despite these setbacks, Texas Tech remained competitive, with Kevin Overton leading the team with 19 points.

Game Flow and Key Moments

Arizona established a 47-39 lead by halftime, capitalizing on Texas Tech’s shooting struggles. The Wildcats extended their lead to as much as 14 points in the second half. However, the Red Raiders mounted a comeback, narrowing the gap to four points with just over six minutes remaining. Arizona’s resilience and strategic plays in the final minutes ensured their advancement to the championship game.

Looking Ahead

With this victory, Arizona (22-11) advances to the Big 12 Tournament championship game, where they will face the top-seeded Houston Cougars. The Wildcats aim to secure the conference title in their inaugural Big 12 season, potentially enhancing their seeding in the upcoming NCAA Tournament.

Here is the post game press conference: