Arizona dominates Iowa State to clinch outright Big 12 title

TUCSON, Ariz. (KYMA) - The second-ranked Arizona Wildcats left no doubt Monday night.

Arizona rolled past the sixth-ranked Iowa State Cyclones 73-57 at McKale Center, clinching the outright Big 12 regular season championship and strengthening its case as one of the nation's top teams heading into March.

The Wildcats controlled the game from the opening tip, building a 37-25 halftime lead and stretching the advantage to as many as 21 points in the second half. Arizona shot 46% from the field and led for 87 percent of the night.

Jaden Bradley paced the Wildcats with 17 points, going nine-of-ten from the free throw line. Motiejus Krivas added 13 points, Brayden Burries finished with 11, and Tobe Awaka recorded a double-double with 10 points and 15 rebounds while anchoring Arizona's presence in the paint.

Defensively, Arizona made life difficult for Iowa State all night. The Cyclones shot just 29% from the floor and 23% from three-point range. Tamin Lipsey led Iowa State with 17 points.

With the victory, Arizona improves to 27-2 overall and 15-2 in conference play, securing the No. 1 seed in the Big 12 Tournament, set for March 11 through 15 in Kansas City.

The Wildcats close out the regular season on the road at Colorado before turning their focus to postseason play.

Conference champions and peaking at the right time.