The No. 5 Arizona Wildcats secured the Pac-12 regular-season title with a commanding 88-65 victory over UCLA on Thursday night. This win marked a significant achievement for Arizona in their final season in the league, as they prepare to transition to the Big 12 next season.
Arizona's offensive prowess was on full display, with KJ Lewis leading the way with 18 points, closely followed by Caleb Love's 17-point contribution. Jaden Bradley also made a notable impact with 13 points, as the Wildcats showcased a balanced scoring effort with five players reaching double figures.
The Wildcats took control of the game early on, outscoring UCLA 29-12 in the first half to establish a commanding 44-27 lead at halftime. Arizona's strong performance continued after the break, as they opened the second half with a 15-6 run to further extend their lead.
Despite UCLA's efforts, including a 20-point performance from Lazar Stefanovic, the Bruins were unable to mount a comeback against Arizona's relentless offensive attack. UCLA suffered their fifth consecutive loss, marking a challenging stretch for the team as they head into the final stages of the season.
Looking ahead, Arizona will carry their momentum into the upcoming Pac-12 Tournament in Las Vegas, aiming to build on their successful regular-season campaign. Meanwhile, UCLA faces a crucial matchup against Arizona State as they seek to finish the season on a positive note and gain momentum heading into the conference tournament.
Arizona will wrap up their regular season with a visit to Southern California, while UCLA will host Arizona State in their final game before the Pac-12 Tournament.
Overall, Arizona's dominant performance against UCLA not only secured the Pac-12 regular-season title but also highlighted their strength as they prepare for the challenges ahead in the postseason.
