Arizona Loses to Iowa State 84-67

Last night, the Arizona Wildcats men’s basketball team faced a significant setback, losing to the No. 9 Iowa State Cyclones with a final score of 67-84 at Hilton Coliseum in Ames, Iowa. This game was a rematch following Arizona’s earlier overtime victory on January 27, 2025, adding to the stakes.

The game statistics reveal a stark contrast in performance. Iowa State dominated early, leading 43-30 at halftime, a lead they extended in the second half. The Wildcats did show some signs of life when they cut the score down a few times, but they never gained any solid momentum.

Here is a quick breakdown:

• Scoring and Shooting Efficiency: Iowa State shot an impressive 50.0% from the field and 52.4% from three-point range, making 11 three-pointers, tying a season-high, with nine in the first half alone. Milan Momcilovic led with 4/7 from three, contributing to 17 points. Tamin Lipsey added 15, while Curtis Jones and Nate Heise each scored 12 off the bench, and Brandton Chatfield hit a season-high 10 points. In contrast, Arizona struggled, with a field goal percentage of 33.3% and a dismal 18.2% from three-point range (4/22).
• Key Performers: For Arizona, Jaden Bradley was the top scorer with 18 points, followed by KJ Lewis with 13 off the bench.
• Turnovers and Rebounds: Both teams had 31 rebounds, but Arizona forced 15 turnovers from Iowa State, yet only scored 2 points off them in the first half, a missed opportunity compared to their earlier game where they turned 18 turnovers into 22 points.

What contributed to the loss For Arizona?

The loss can be attributed to several factors. Iowa State’s hot shooting, especially from three-point range, was a game-changer, with a key moment being their 8 consecutive shots in the first half, 7 from three. Arizona’s struggle from deep, with a 4/22 performance, was a significant hindrance.

An unexpected detail is the balanced scoring from Iowa State’s bench, with Jones and Heise each contributing 12 points, showcasing depth that Arizona couldn’t match. This depth, combined with Iowa State’s assist advantage (17 vs. 9), suggests better team play, which Arizona needs to emulate.

Strategies for Improvement

To address these issues, Arizona must focus on the following:

1. Perimeter Defense: The Cyclones’ 52.4% three-point shooting, led by Momcilovic’s 4/7, indicates a need for Arizona to tighten their defense beyond the arc. This could involve better positioning and scouting of shooters.
2. Three-Point Shooting Accuracy: With only 18.2% from three, Arizona needs to enhance shooting drills, possibly focusing on open looks and reducing pressure in high-stakes games.
3. Better Game Starts: Being down 30-43 at halftime suggests a need for stronger early-game strategies, perhaps adjusting rotations or opening with a more aggressive offensive set.
4. Capitalizing on Turnovers: Despite forcing turnovers, Arizona’s inability to convert, especially in the first half, indicates a need for faster transitions and better offensive sets off steals.
5. Team Chemistry and Execution: With only 9 assists compared to Iowa State’s 17, Arizona needs to improve ball movement and overall team play, potentially through more practice on set plays and off-ball movement.

With the regular season winding down, Arizona, currently 19-10 overall and 13-5 in the Big 12, has upcoming games, including hosting Arizona State on Tuesday night. Improving these areas could help them secure a strong seed in the conference tournament and enhance their NCAA Tournament prospects.