Iowa State and Arizona meet again on Friday night in the Big 12 Tournament semifinals, setting up a huge rematch between two national title contenders. Arizona claimed the regular-season meeting between these teams earlier this month, but Iowa State has surged through the tournament bracket with dominant performances. With both teams ranked among the nation’s best and playing for a spot in the conference championship game, this Iowa State vs Arizona contest carries major weight for postseason momentum and seeding.
Game Snapshot
- Matchup: Iowa State Cyclones @ Arizona Wildcats
- Date & Time: Friday, March 13, 7:00 PM ET
- Venue: T-Mobile Center, Kansas City, Missouri
- Broadcast: ESPN
Key Storylines
Arizona enters the semifinal as the conference’s top seed and one of the most consistent teams in the country. The Wildcats improved to 30-2 with a convincing 81-59 win over UCF in the quarterfinal round. Arizona jumped out early and never trailed, demonstrating the offensive depth that has carried the team throughout the season. Freshman guard Brayden Burries led the way with 21 points while Tobe Awaka recorded a double-double with 12 points and 12 rebounds.
Iowa State has been equally impressive in Kansas City. The Cyclones dominated Arizona State by 49 points earlier in the tournament and followed that up with a convincing 75-53 victory over Texas Tech. Iowa State’s defense forced turnovers and limited opponents to poor shooting, while the offense continued to get balanced scoring from multiple players. Senior guard Tamin Lipsey scored 20 points in the Texas Tech win, while Joshua Jefferson added a double-double.
The biggest storyline heading into Friday’s game is the rematch factor. Arizona defeated Iowa State 73-57 earlier this month to clinch the Big 12 regular-season title. The Wildcats controlled that game from start to finish, limiting the Cyclones’ offense and winning the rebounding battle. Iowa State will look to flip that script by leaning on its defense and improved offensive rhythm.
Key Players
Arizona Wildcats
- Brayden Burries – The freshman guard has become one of Arizona’s most dynamic scoring threats. Burries recently scored 21 points in the Wildcats’ quarterfinal win and has consistently provided double-digit scoring while stretching defenses with perimeter shooting.
- Tobe Awaka – A physical presence in the paint, Awaka anchors Arizona’s interior defense and rebounding. He recorded 12 points and 12 rebounds in the quarterfinal round and often provides second-chance opportunities.
- Koa Peat – Peat offers scoring versatility in the frontcourt. His ability to score inside and hit midrange shots gives Arizona another offensive option when defenses focus on Burries.
Iowa State Cyclones
- Joshua Jefferson – Jefferson is the engine of Iowa State’s offense. The senior forward averages 16.6 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 5 assists per game while also contributing defensively with steals. His all-around production makes him one of the most valuable players in the conference.
- Tamin Lipsey – The senior guard averages 13.3 points and 5 assists per game while also serving as one of the league’s best defensive guards. Lipsey scored 20 points in the quarterfinal win and frequently controls the pace of the offense.
- Milan Momcilovic – A lethal perimeter shooter, Momcilovic averages over 16 points per game and leads the conference in three-point shooting percentage. He has also set a program single-season record for three-pointers.
Stat Comparison
| Stat | Iowa State | Arizona |
|---|---|---|
| Points per game | 82.1 | 86.7 |
| Points allowed per game | 64.6 | 68.3 |
| Team Field Goal % | 49% | 50% |
| Rebounds per game | 35.6 | 43.0 |
| Assists per game | 17.4 | 17.4 |
Head-to-Head & Betting Trends
Past meetings this season
- Arizona defeated Iowa State 73-57 earlier in March
ATS records this season
- Iowa State ATS: 19-13-1
- Arizona ATS: 18-13-1
Iowa State vs Arizona Pick & Model Projection
- Score Projection: Iowa State 72 – Arizona 78
- Pick: Arizona -3.5
- Confidence: 4 out of 5
- Win Probability: Iowa State 38%, Arizona 62%
This semifinal features two highly balanced teams with elite talent on both sides of the court. Iowa State’s defense can create problems with its ability to force turnovers and pressure opposing guards, but Arizona’s offensive depth has proven difficult for opponents to contain.
The Wildcats already demonstrated their ability to control this matchup earlier in March by limiting Iowa State’s perimeter scoring and winning the battle inside. With Burries providing explosive scoring and Awaka dominating the glass, Arizona has several advantages in this rematch. My expectation is that Arizona will use those advantages to get a win to advance to the Big 12 title game.
More College Basketball Picks
