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Arizona Wildcats Advance in Pac-12 Tournament

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  Published in Automotive and Transportation on Saturday, March 14th 2026 at 14:44 GMT by Arizona Daily Star
      Locales: Arizona, UNITED STATES

LAS VEGAS, NV - March 14th, 2026 - The Arizona Wildcats continued their pursuit of a Pac-12 Tournament championship with a hard-fought 74-64 victory over Oregon State in the opening round on Thursday. While the win wasn't a blowout, it showcased Arizona's resilience and well-rounded team play, qualities that will be crucial as they navigate the increasingly competitive tournament landscape. The victory propels Arizona into the quarterfinals, where they will face a challenging Utah team on Friday evening. For Oregon State, the loss marks the end of their season, concluding a campaign marked by struggles and ending with a 12-21 record.

The game wasn't initially a smooth ride for the Wildcats. Arizona stumbled out of the gate, experiencing early offensive woes and shooting just 30% from the field in the first twelve minutes. This sluggish start highlighted a potential vulnerability that opponents could exploit as the tournament progresses. However, head coach Tommy Lloyd demonstrated quick tactical acumen, calling a timeout to recalibrate his team's focus and emphasize defensive intensity. The timeout proved pivotal, sparking a significant shift in momentum.

"We weren't great early," Lloyd admitted after the game. "Oregon State did a good job of making it tough on us. But I thought our defense really kicked in and we started to find a bit more offensive flow."

This defensive adjustment proved to be the turning point. Arizona's ability to clamp down on Oregon State's offense disrupted their rhythm and forced turnovers, translating into easier scoring opportunities on the other end. The Wildcats' balanced scoring attack, featuring four players in double figures - Pelle Larsson (16 points), Caleb Love (15 points), Kylan Boswell (12 points), and Jaden Bradley (10 points) - underscored their offensive versatility. This diversity makes them difficult to defend, as opposing teams cannot solely focus on shutting down a single player.

Oregon State, led by Tres Tipton's 18 points, fought valiantly but ultimately succumbed to Arizona's superior size, athleticism, and defensive pressure. The Beavers struggled with their shooting, managing only 37.5% from the field and a dismal 23.8% from beyond the arc. Head coach Alvin Snow acknowledged the difficulty his team faced, stating, "We couldn't get our shots to fall. They were physical, they were active, they made us work for every possession."

Beyond the box score, Arizona's performance revealed key strengths that position them as legitimate contenders for the Pac-12 title and a deep run in the NCAA tournament. Their dominance in the paint, amassing 36 points, showcased their interior presence and ability to exploit mismatches. Furthermore, the Wildcats' 36-29 rebounding advantage and 18 second-chance points highlighted their relentless effort and commitment to controlling the boards. These are the hallmarks of a team built for postseason success.

The late-game push by Oregon State, narrowing the deficit to 64-60 with under four minutes remaining, served as a reminder that no lead is safe in tournament play. However, clutch shots from Love and Boswell quickly extinguished the Beaver's comeback attempt, demonstrating Arizona's composure and ability to respond under pressure.

Looking Ahead: Arizona vs. Utah

The quarterfinals matchup against Utah will present a different set of challenges. Utah is a well-coached team known for its stifling defense and disciplined offense. They boast a strong frontcourt and a perimeter game capable of stretching the floor. Arizona will need to maintain its defensive intensity, control the rebounding battle, and limit turnovers to secure a victory. The game is expected to be a physical, closely contested affair, with the winner advancing to the semi-finals.

The Pac-12 Tournament is renowned for its unpredictability, but Arizona's consistent performance throughout the season and its ability to overcome adversity suggest they have the necessary ingredients to make a serious run. With a veteran core and a dynamic coaching staff, the Wildcats are poised to make a lasting impression on both the Pac-12 and the national stage. Their performance in Las Vegas will be a key indicator of their potential for March Madness glory. Analysts are already discussing Arizona as a potential Final Four contender if they can maintain this level of play and receive favorable matchups in the NCAA Tournament.

This game wasn't just a win; it was a statement - a declaration that Arizona is ready to compete for a championship.