TUCSON, Ariz. (KVOA) - The Arizona Wildcats faced off against the Houston Cougars during the Big 12 Tournament Championship on Saturday, March 15, 2025, but came up short with a 72-64 loss. This title match capped off Arizona's first-ever experience competing in the Big 12 Tournament, having previously defeated both Kansas and Texas Tech to reach this final showdown.
Caleb Love led the Wildcats with 19 points, continuing his impressive effort throughout the tournament where he scored double figures across all three contest victories. Jaden Bradley and KJ Lewis also added to the tally, contributing 14 and 11 points respectively. Despite these efforts, Arizona struggled against the top-seeded Cougars, who had just clinched the Big 12 regular season title, marking another high point for their program.
Houston was missing All-Big-12 First-Team Forward J'Wan Roberts due to an ankle injury, but the void was filled by Milos Uzan, who had a standout performance, racking up 25 points, with three rebounds and four assists. Emanuel Sharp also played a significant role by adding 17 points, including three buckets from beyond the arc.
The game began with both teams struggling to find their rhythm, as it took the Wildcats over four minutes to score their first points. The teams combined for only three successful field goals at the first media timeout. Arizona managed to recover from the sluggish start, narrowing Houston's early lead down to just three points with the Wildcats trailing 19-16 halfway through the first half.
Coach Tommy Lloyd was vocal about his team's need for toughness, urging them during a timeout, "You gotta be tough. They're going to go for the ball." This message seemed to resonate, as the Wildcats matched Houston’s intensity throughout most of the first half, taking their first lead at 21-19 thanks to Tobe Awaka's bucket.
By halftime, Arizona held the advantage at 33-28. But Houston stormed back after the break, hitting 56% of their shots from the field and quickly taking control of the game with five three-pointers within the first 12 minutes of the second half, surging to a 56-46 lead. The Cougars' ability to capitalize on their shooting prowess played a pivotal role in the game's dynamics.
Arizona managed to claw back, reclaiming the lead at 62-61 with a putback from Awaka. Unfortunately for Arizona fans, it would be their last taste of the lead, as the Wildcats did not manage to score another field goal over the final five minutes of the game. Outscored 11-2, Arizona failed to capitalize on those closing moments, with the pressure mounting on both sides. The Wildcats' inability to close out the game was certainly heartbreaking for Coach Lloyd and his players.
Despite the loss, the Wildcats are poised for the upcoming NCAA Tournament, where they head back to Tucson for Selection Sunday. Arizona will hold a March Madness reveal party for fans at Union Public House on Sunday, March 16, 2025. The event kicks off at 2 p.m. and will feature the Coach Lloyd Radio Show, creating anticipation as the fans await Arizona’s fate for the NCAA brackets.
This championship game was not just significant for the Wildcats, but it underscored the competitive nature of the Big 12 Conference, with teams like Houston not only performing well during the tournament but also establishing themselves as strong candidates heading to the NCAA Tournament. With their recent achievements, Houston will enter the tournament as the No. 1 seed, ensuring they will be a formidable opponent for any team they face next. Arizona and other Big 12 teams are gearing up as well, all aiming for success as they head toward March Madness.
Both Houston, who has maintained momentum with their win streak, and Arizona, competing vigorously for their place, look set to make their marks in the upcoming NCAA bracket stage. This year promises to be thrilling, showcasing collegiate basketball at its finest and the drive of these athletes as they perform under pressure.
