Arizona Wildcats Make Strong Case for 1-Seed with Dominant Win Over Houston
The Arizona Wildcats are making waves in the NCAA Tournament scene, and their recent victory over the Houston Cougars may have just secured their spot as a projected 1-seed. With a 73-66 win on the road against the No. 2 team, Arizona has bolstered its impressive resume, now boasting 11 Quad 1 victories-tying them for the most in Division I.
Currently ranked No. 4 by the AP, the Wildcats (25-2, 12-2 in Big 12) demonstrated their prowess by controlling the game for over 36 minutes. After briefly falling behind 50-48, they responded with a decisive 12-0 run, showcasing their ability to handle pressure against top-tier competition.
Arizona's defense was pivotal, holding Houston to 11.8 points below its season average and limiting them to a 35.7 percent shooting performance-their worst since November. This defensive tenacity was complemented by the Wildcats' depth, as they overcame the absence of standout freshman Koa Peat. Senior guard Anthony Dell'Orso stepped up with a stellar performance, leading the team with 22 points and contributing four of Arizona's nine steals.
According to ESPN Insights, Arizona's triumph over a top-3 AP team marks their third such victory this season, a feat not accomplished since the 2011-12 Kansas team. Offensively, the Wildcats were disciplined, committing only five turnovers and frequently drawing fouls, resulting in 31 free-throw attempts.
This win reinforces why Arizona is a formidable contender in March. Under coach Tommy Lloyd, who took the helm in 2021-22, the Wildcats have consistently made the tournament but have yet to break past the Sweet 16. With Peat's potential return, Arizona strengthens its claim as a national championship favorite, aiming for their first title since 1997.
The NCAA Tournament selection committee recently previewed the bracket, naming Arizona a 1-seed and ranking them third overall behind Michigan and Duke. The Wildcats' victory over Houston not only solidifies their standing but also indicates they've shaken off a brief slump from earlier this month.
As the regular season nears its end, Arizona is once again asserting itself as one of the top teams in the nation, a sentiment echoed by the selection committee. With their sights set on March, the Wildcats are poised to make a significant impact.