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Arizona Closes Out Pac-12 Championship with Dominant Win

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  Published in Automotive and Transportation on Saturday, February 21st 2026 at 8:12 GMT by Arizona Daily Star
      Locales: Arizona, UNITED STATES

TUCSON, AZ - February 21, 2026 - The Arizona Wildcats delivered a resounding performance today, dismantling the Utah Utes 119-81 at the McKale Center and clinching the outright Pac-12 Championship. The victory eliminates any need for scenario planning involving Stanford and firmly establishes Arizona as the conference's premier basketball program this season.

The Wildcats (25-6, 15-5 Pac-12) showcased a dominant display of offensive prowess and defensive tenacity, building a commanding 48-29 halftime lead and extending it throughout the second half, peaking at a 41-point advantage. This decisive win not only secures the conference title but also guarantees Arizona the coveted No. 1 seed in the upcoming Pac-12 Tournament in Las Vegas, starting Wednesday.

Oumar Ballo spearheaded the Arizona attack with a powerful 21-point, 13-rebound double-double, proving to be an unstoppable force in the paint. He was well-supported by a balanced scoring effort. Pelle Larsson contributed 18 points alongside five assists and four rebounds, demonstrating his all-around capabilities. Caleb Love added 17 points, with five rebounds and four assists, continuing his strong late-season form. Kylan Boswell chipped in with 15 points and five assists, while Jaden Bradley and Jace Biggs rounded out the scoring with 13 and 11 points respectively, highlighting the depth of the Wildcats' roster.

For Utah (18-13, 9-11 Pac-12), Branden Carlson was the primary offensive threat, leading the Utes with 26 points, but his efforts were insufficient to counter the Wildcats' relentless offensive onslaught and stifling defense. Despite Carlson's strong performance, Utah struggled to find any consistent rhythm on either end of the court.

Game Recap: A First-Half Surge Sets the Tone

The Wildcats came out firing on all cylinders, establishing an early lead with 20 points in the opening six and a half minutes. Utah struggled to find an answer, consistently trailing as Arizona's offensive execution proved too much to handle. A mid-first half surge saw Arizona extend its lead to 36-18 after just 13 minutes of play. They didn't relent, embarking on a 12-4 run that pushed the halftime advantage to a significant 48-29.

The second half witnessed no let-up from Arizona. The Wildcats immediately extended their lead with a 13-3 run to start the period, quickly pushing the score to 71-41 with 14 minutes remaining. Utah attempted to mount a comeback but were consistently thwarted by Arizona's disciplined defense and continued offensive efficiency. The Utes were unable to find any sustained momentum, and the Wildcats cruised to victory.

Looking Ahead: Pac-12 Tournament and Beyond

This championship win marks a significant achievement for head coach Tommy Lloyd and the Arizona program, solidifying their position as a national contender. Securing the No. 1 seed in the Pac-12 Tournament provides a favorable path towards the NCAA Tournament. Experts are already projecting Arizona as a potential top-four seed, meaning they could host first and second-round games, a significant advantage.

The Wildcats' success this season is a testament to their balanced roster, strong coaching, and commitment to team play. The team's ability to consistently score from multiple positions and defend effectively makes them a dangerous opponent for any team in the nation.

While the Pac-12 conference is undergoing significant changes with the departures of several programs, Arizona's dominance provides a fitting farewell to the traditional Pac-12 as it currently exists. The Wildcats have proven they are a force to be reckoned with, and their performance today serves as a warning to their upcoming tournament opponents. The focus now shifts to Las Vegas, where Arizona will look to translate their regular season success into a Pac-12 Tournament title and secure a high seed in the NCAA Tournament. The McKale Center erupted in celebration today, but the Wildcats know their ultimate goal remains within reach.