The University of Arizona men’s basketball team (13-6, 7-1 in Big 12) will prepare to host the No. 3 Iowa State University (17-2, 7-1 in Big 12) on Monday, Jan. 27 at 8:30 p.m. in McKale Center.
History vs. Iowa State
The Wildcats stand at 4-3 record over Iowa State, with the two programs’ most previous match in November of 2018, resulting in a 71-66 victory for Arizona. Prior to that match, the programs competed from 1969 through 1998, as the results varied amongst the matchups but the majority of success went to Arizona. Both teams hold the same standing in Big 12 conference play, indicating a high-intensity match.
Iowa State players to watch
The Cyclones are led by T.J. Otzelberger, who was named the head coach in March of 2021. During his three years at Iowa, he has earned the program a current 70-35 record. Out of the eight seasons he’s had as a head coach for various programs, he’s guided his teams to five different NCAA tournament appearances and six postseason appearances overall.
Curtis Jones, a 6-foot-4 senior guard, currently leads the Cyclones in points, averaging 18.6 points, 4.6 rebounds while dishing out 2.4 assists per game. He has also tallied 27 steals this season, averaging 1.4 per game.
Prior to Iowa, Jones played at the University at Buffalo Bulls where he led the team with 15 points, 4.8 rebounds and three assists per game. In his first season with the Cyclones, Jones became just the third player since 1989, to come off the bench and score at least 26 points in the Sweet 16.
Another 6-foot-4 senior guard has made effective efforts on the court for Iowa State. Keshon Gilbert’s last season earned him a tie for in the program’s history for most games played and started. This season, Gilbert currently averages 15.5 points per game and leads the team with 89 assists this season.
In the Cyclones 2023-2024 season, Gilbert was named Big 12 Championship MVP and Big 12 Newcomer of the week. Additionally he has earned spots on the Big 12 Championship All-Tournament Team, Big 12 All-Newcomer Team and All-Big 12 Second team.
Underneath the hoop, Joshua Jefferson, a 6-foot-9 junior forward, is a crucial asset to Iowa State’s team. Jefferson averages 8.3 rebounds per game, the most of any Cyclone. He doesn’t fall short offensively either, averaging 12.8 points per game and having 52 assists this season.
Jefferson’s two seasons prior to Iowa State were spent at Saint Mary’s University. In his 2023-2024 season there, he suffered a season-ending leg injury. Before his injury, Jefferson averaged 10.2 points and 6.5 rebounds per match. Notably, he was able to collectively sink 16 3-pointers, proving him dangerous outside of the paint.
Wildcats to watch
Fourth season head coach Tommy Lloyd has led Arizona to an impressive 7-1 conference record this season. Lloyd has had continuous success with the Wildcats, earning 88 wins in three seasons, the second most in NCAA history. He also led Arizona to seven consecutive wins throughout this season, an impressive success.
Caleb Love, a fifth-year guard, leads the Wildcats in points, averaging 15.3 per game. He also contributes 4.5 rebounds, three assists, 1.5 steals and has collected 57 assists this season. Love has been with Arizona for the past two seasons. Prior to his arrival, he played at the University of North Carolina where he made a name for himself as well.
In Arizona’s 92-78 victory on Jan. 21 against Oklahoma State University, Love led the team in scoring with 27 points and also grabbed five rebounds. During the match, Love went 4-of-9 in 3-pointers and 10-for-17 from inside the paint. He was also crucial off the bounce and drive to hoop, making 3-of-4 free throws.
Junior guard Anthony Dell’Orso, standing at 6-foot-6, and has been making impressive movements on the court. The Wildcats last game against the University of Colorado Boulder, which resulted in a 78-63 win, Dell’Orso contributed significantly. He led the team with 20 points, going 6-for-9 outside the arc and 7-for 11-from inside.
For the season, Dell’Orso averages 9.3 points per game while also collecting 12 steals and 26 assists this season. His improvement throughout the season has not gone unnoticed as he is seeing more minutes on the court as games go by.
Jaden Bradley, a junior guard, has consistently led the Wildcats to victory. Bradley, falling behind Love, averages 11.4 points per game and leads the team with 73 assists, a crucial playmaker for Arizona. Defensively, Bradley tops the stat sheet with a collective 35 steals this season.
In Arizona’s win over Oklahoma State, Bradley had 12 points and led the team with four assists. Notably, on the defensive end, Bradley had two steals and secured two rebounds. This is a common theme in Bradley’s play on the court as the Wildcats have progressed throughout the season.
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