Arizona won its last game against Baylor on Monday night before taking a couple of days off to prepare for the final five games of the regular season. The break allowed the players to rest and recharge, which is essential for the stretch run.
Head coach Tommy Lloyd used this time to look ahead, especially with the upcoming Big 12 Tournament bracket. Arizona is currently ranked 19th in the country and in good position to finish in the top four, securing a double bye into the quarterfinals. A win over BYU on Saturday would guarantee no worse than a tie for fourth place.
Lloyd acknowledged that BYU is playing with desperation due to its uncertain postseason chances. The Cougars’ recent 34-point loss to Kansas has put them in a tough spot, and they are now trying to recover. Lloyd also discussed the importance of adjusting his lineup based on injuries and player performances throughout the season.
In addition, Lloyd touched upon Arizona’s defensive growth and improvement over the past games. He stated that while they cannot pitch shutouts, he is proud of their cohesiveness on the defensive end. However, the team still struggles with 3-point shooting, which has been an issue since making a poor stretch against BYU.
This game will be crucial for Arizona to build momentum and secure its spot in the tournament bracket. With the right performance, they can move forward with confidence and make a deep run in the postseason.
Source: https://www.azdesertswarm.com/basketball/2025/2/21/24370192/arizona-wildcats-mens-basketball-preview-byu-cougars-shooting-big12-standings-tommy-lloyd-defense