Iowa State Cyclones vs Arizona Wildcats Picks and Predictions March 1st 2025

No. 22 Arizona Braces for ‘Uncomfortable’ Greeting vs. No. 9 Iowa State

No. 22 Arizona is preparing for a hostile environment when it faces No. 9 Iowa State in a crucial Big 12 Conference clash Saturday night in Ames, Iowa.

Arizona Ready for the Challenge

Wildcats coach Tommy Lloyd acknowledges the challenge ahead, embracing the adversity his team will face on the road.

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“We’re not asking for things to be comfortable, because I know Saturday it’s going to be very uncomfortable,” Lloyd said. “So we better be comfortable in an uncomfortable environment.”

Arizona (19-9, 13-4 Big 12) is coming off an 83-66 victory over Utah and is looking to hold onto second place in the conference standings. With a tough stretch ahead, Lloyd believes these battles will prepare his squad for postseason play.

“For the rest of the season, I think that’s just how it’s going to be. I thank the Big 12 for that. Not that we didn’t have stressful moments in the Pac-12, but we’ve had a good stretch of them here, and I think we’re going to be better for it in the long run.”

The Wildcats are led by Caleb Love, who averages 16.4 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game. Jaden Bradley (11.4 ppg) and KJ Lewis (10.4 ppg) provide additional scoring support.

Iowa State Looks to Bounce Back

Iowa State (21-7, 11-6 Big 12) is eager to snap a two-game losing streak after falling to then-No. 5 Houston and Oklahoma State. The Cyclones have gone 4-5 over their last nine games, with injuries and illness playing a role in their struggles.

Top scorer Curtis Jones (16.9 ppg) returned against Oklahoma State after missing time with an illness, while assists leader Keshon Gilbert (14.1 ppg) has missed the last two games due to a muscle strain. Head coach T.J. Otzelberger is hopeful Gilbert will be available.

“We’re optimistic that he’ll be able to return on Saturday, but again, his health and well-being is No. 1,” Otzelberger said. “(He) was able to practice for the first time (in a while), so we’ll see how his body responds to that and where he’s at.”

Joshua Jefferson (12.6 ppg), Milan Momcilovic (10.6 ppg), and Tamin Lipsey (10.5 ppg) round out the Cyclones’ top scoring threats. Despite their recent struggles, Iowa State boasts a stellar 14-1 home record this season.

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Series History and What’s at Stake

Arizona has won four straight against Iowa State, including an 86-75 overtime win on Jan. 27. The Wildcats lead the all-time series 5-3. However, with the Cyclones nearly unbeatable at home, this game promises to be another intense battle.

“It’s frustrating,” Jefferson said. “We’re 18-1 when we’re fully healthy, but it’s not an excuse. We’ve still got to find a way to win those games that we’re supposed to win. But now that we’re fully healthy, I think we’ll start to get right back on track moving forward.”

With both teams fighting for Big 12 positioning and NCAA Tournament implications on the line, expect a high-energy matchup with a lot at stake in Ames.

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