Arizona Wildcats Host Iowa State Cyclones in Big Monday Matchup

Both teams are tournament-bound, but Iowa State has a chance to improve its seed while Arizona tries to lock up the Big 12 title.

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

The Arizona Wildcats will host the Iowa State Cyclones on "Big Monday" in a matchup of two of the Big 12's best teams. Arizona has won four straight games after a brief slump, while Iowa State is 2-2 in its last four. Both teams are tournament-bound, but Iowa State has an opportunity to improve its seed line, while Arizona is trying to lock up the Big 12 regular season title with a fifth straight win.

Why it matters

This game features two of the top teams in the Big 12 conference, with implications for both their tournament seeding and the regular season title race. Arizona is looking to bounce back after a brief slump, while Iowa State aims to solidify its position as a top team in the conference.

The details

Arizona has won four straight games after dropping two in a row earlier this month against Kansas and Texas Tech. The Wildcats are led by head coach Tommy Lloyd and are looking to lock up the Big 12 regular season title. Iowa State, meanwhile, is 24-5 on the year but has gone 2-2 in its last four games, including a loss to Texas Tech. Both teams are tournament-bound, but Iowa State has a chance to improve its seed line with a win over the Wildcats.

  • The game will be played on Monday, March 2, 2026.

The players

Tommy Lloyd

The head coach of the Arizona Wildcats.

Iowa State Cyclones

The men's basketball team from Iowa State University, one of the top teams in the Big 12 conference.

Arizona Wildcats

The men's basketball team from the University of Arizona, one of the top teams in the Big 12 conference.

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What’s next

The winner of this game will take a step closer to securing a higher seed in the upcoming NCAA Tournament.

The takeaway

This matchup between two of the Big 12's best teams has significant implications for both their conference title hopes and their NCAA Tournament seeding. Arizona is looking to bounce back and lock up the regular season title, while Iowa State has a chance to improve its standing with a road win over the Wildcats.