No. 2 Arizona Determined Not to Have Letdown in Finale at Colorado

Wildcats look to avoid upset against Buffaloes after clinching Big 12 regular-season title

Published on Mar. 7, 2026

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No. 2 Arizona, which has clinched the Big 12 regular-season title, will try to guard against a letdown at Boulder, Colo., on Saturday night when the Wildcats play the Buffaloes. Colorado has won three of its past four games, while Arizona has won five consecutive games, including victories against ranked opponents. Arizona coach Tommy Lloyd is wary of the tough environment in Boulder, having lost there in his first season with the Wildcats.

Why it matters

This game has major implications for both teams. Arizona is looking to maintain momentum and avoid a letdown after clinching the conference title, while Colorado is fighting for positioning in the Big 12 tournament and a potential NCAA Tournament berth. The matchup between the Wildcats' frontcourt and the Buffaloes' interior size will be a key factor.

The details

Arizona is led by freshman guard Brayden Burries, who averages 15.5 points per game. Colorado relies heavily on the scoring of freshman guard Isaiah Johnson, who averages 16.6 points per game. The Buffaloes' frontcourt of Sebastian Rancik and Bangot Dak will go up against Arizona's Motiejus Krivas and Tobe Awaka. The Wildcats lead the Big 12 in rebounding, while Colorado is 13th.

  • Arizona clinched the Big 12 regular-season title earlier this season.
  • The game will be played on Saturday night, March 7, 2026, in Boulder, Colorado.
  • Colorado will celebrate Senior Night for its lone senior, Elijah Malone.

The players

Tommy Lloyd

The head coach of the Arizona Wildcats basketball team.

Isaiah Johnson

A freshman guard for the Colorado Buffaloes who averages 16.6 points per game.

Brayden Burries

A freshman guard for the Arizona Wildcats who leads the team in scoring at 15.5 points per game.

Sebastian Rancik

A 6-foot-11, 220-pound forward for the Colorado Buffaloes.

Bangot Dak

A 7-foot, 203-pound center for the Colorado Buffaloes.

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What they’re saying

“We are excited to play at Colorado. I've went up there with a good team before and got smacked. I know how tough it is to play there, so trust me, it's got my full attention.”

— Tommy Lloyd, Head Coach, Arizona Wildcats (statenews.net)

“Arizona is very good, well-coached, and they play hard. Our execution has to be better. We can't give away possessions on offense and fail to rebound on defense. The possession is never over until you get that board.”

— Tad Boyle, Head Coach, Colorado Buffaloes (statenews.net)

“Obviously, we get a ring, we get to cut nets down, we get to do it on our home floor, but don't get drunk off the feeling. You still want the big one, but this is one of the milestones you've been looking forward to since the beginning of the season. I think we should give ourselves a pat on the back, but don't get stuck in the moment.”

— Tobe Awaka, Senior Forward, Arizona Wildcats (statenews.net)

What’s next

The winner of this game will have momentum heading into the Big 12 tournament, which begins next week. Colorado will need to win the tournament to earn an NCAA Tournament berth, while Arizona is already assured of a spot in the Big Dance.

The takeaway

This game is a test of focus and determination for the No. 2 Wildcats, who must avoid a letdown after clinching the conference title and instead maintain their intensity against a scrappy Colorado team fighting for its postseason life. The outcome could have significant implications for both teams' tournament aspirations.