👋 GOOD MORNING
Monday, Jan. 27, 2025 — Happy Monday! Well, Super Bowl LIX is set, and get ready to watch the Eagles and Chiefs battle it out in a THRILLING first-time matchup yet again for the championship. Look, don’t take this the wrong way if you’re a fan of either team, but isn’t it about time we get some new teams? There was zero time to enjoy the demise of the Patriots’ dynasty before Mahomes and Co. had to mess it all up.
This is mostly jealousy coming out from a Detroit transplant, but it’s times like these I like to remind folks Iowa State defeated Mahomes and Texas Tech 66-10 in 2016.
Speaking of Iowa State, today’s newsletter takes a look at one of the biggest Big 12 matchups of the season to this point, as Arizona hosts the Cyclones in a primetime battle. What’s it going to take for the Wildcats to emerge victorious? There’s plenty more below.
On to the show!
Wildcats, Cyclones Take Center Stage on Monday
Tonight’s Big 12 showdown between Arizona and No. 3 Iowa State has all the makings of a heavyweight bout.
Arizona has won nine of its last 10 and is 7-1 as it navigates through its first season in the Big 12. The Wildcats have defeated their last three ranked opponents (No. 25 Baylor, No. 21 West Virginia and No. 16 Cincinnati), yet are stunningly an underdog at home according to bet365, albeit by just one point. (+1).
The No. 3 Cyclones used a late-game run to topple Arizona State in Tempe on Saturday, and though the Sun Devils have an extremely talented roster, they have been unable to close out games throughout the season. Coach Tommy Lloyd’s Wildcats, though, are a much different story, and have a golden opportunity to make a statement as a first-year member of the conference.
Honestly, if Arizona had scheduled cupcake games to start the season, tonight’s game would almost assuredly feature two teams in the top 10.
Cyclones, Wildcats Meet for Eighth Time Since 1969
Arizona is 4-3 all-time against Iowa State, and has won the last three matchups, which date back to 1990:
- 11/19/2018: 71-66 win in Lahaina, Hawaii
- 12/19/1998: 75-61 win in Las Vegas, Nev.
- 12/29/1990: 102-77 win in Tucson
So, yeah, not a lot of history there, but in a conference as competitive as the Big 12, that’s likely about to change in a hurry.
Both Arizona and Iowa State are operating on short rest following Saturday games, but the matchup is equally important for both programs as they chase Houston, which is atop the Big 12 standings. The No. 7 Cougars have won 12 straight since a shocking home defeat to San Diego State, and have yet to lose a conference game.
The winner of tonight’s tilt will still be within striking distance, the loser, suddenly two games back. It’s not exactly do-or-die, but it’s about as high-stakes of a game that can be played in late January.
“They’re formiddable,” Lloyd said of Iowa State following Saturday’s win over Colorado. “When you have an identity, and you have confidence, and you have veteran experience players who are used to winning, man, that’s a potent combination, and they have those.”
Wildcats Must Attack the Glass and Keep Fouls to a Minimum
The Cyclones score a lot, and they haven’t missed a beat after losing sophomore forward Milan Momcilovic to a hand injury in practice two weeks ago. Their success has continued in part because of senior Curtis Jones, who has filled in admirably since earning a starting role following Momcilovic’s injury.
Iowa State ranks first in the Big 12 in points per game (84.6) and field goal percentage (49.5), and it’s a tall task to shut down its versatile offense. That said, the Cyclones allow the third-most rebounds per game by opponents (31.0) while averaging 37.4, and Arizona ranks pulls in 39.8 per game, which ranks second in the Big 12.
ISU gets to the line early and often as its 23.9 free throw attempts per game are behind only Oklahoma State in the Big 12. The Cyclones, as a team, make 75 percent of their free throws, so keeping the freebies away is critical.
Turnover Battle Will Be Big, Along with Home Court Advantage
Arizona’s defense will be put the the test, but will the fans, too?
Yes, Iowa State is one of the top-shooting teams in the conference, but the Cyclones also take care of the ball. They rank third in the Big 12 with 10.4 turnovers per game, all while forcing the most steals per game (10.0), presenting a unique blend of offensive prowess and defensive stature.
“They have a real identity, and they own it,” Lloyd said. “It’s been impressive.”
The Wildcats led the Buffaloes — who have yet to win a Big 12 game — by just two points at halftime on Saturday. They ultimately took care of business at home by winning the rebounding battle 37-31, and also scored 19 points off 15 Colorado turnovers. Compare that to Iowa State’s win in Tempe (32-25 rebounding advantage, 18-12 turnover advantage), and the two teams look very similar on paper.
Enter McKale Center.
The Wildcats’ home-court advantage may prove to be critical, though it will be interesting to see what the crowd looks like. Reports out of Desert Financial Arena this past weekend indicated ISU fans made up half of the near-capacity crowd, and the Cyclones clearly fed off of that energy.
Tonight’s game was already announced as a sellout, but will the Cyclone faithful be well-represented again as Ames residents flee the frigid Midwest winter temps, or will UA fans freeze them out?
Usual Suspects Need to Step Up
Caleb Love needs to be great, and so do Jaden Bradley and K.J. Lewis. Love’s 15.3 points per game rank eighth in the Big 12, though the guard’s field goal percentage of 39.2 ranks 15th. Forward Tobe Awaka has battled on the glass all season, and his 7.8 rebounds per game lead the team, ranking eighth in the conference.
The 6-foot-8 junior snagged 15 of them against Colorado on Saturday, and though Love and Bradley combined for just 17 points as staters, guard Anthony Dell’Orso picked up the slack with 20 points, including going 6-for-9 beyond the arc. For the Wildcats to emerge victorious, they’ll need contributions from up-and-down the lineup yet again.
No matter what happens, though, the fun doesn’t end tonight, as the two will meet up yet again in Ames on March 1.
“I’m not going to make it as our season hinges on Monday,” Lloyd said. “Obviously it’s a great opportunity for our program.”
Sit back and enjoy the show — it may be a preview of heavyweight bouts for years to come.
🧢 TIP OF THE HAT BY BRANDED BILLS
Saquon Barkley set the tone in the Eagles’ blowout win early. And by early, we mean his very first rush of the game!
