Arizona

What Tommy Lloyd said after Arizona’s win over Colorado

Published

2 days ago

March 8, 2026

What Tommy Lloyd said after Arizona’s win over Colorado

After clinching the Big 12 Conference regular season title outright with a win over Iowa State on Monday night, Tommy Lloyd gave his team a few days off from practice. The break was well earned, but when the team returned they didn’t look like the group that had just romped through the Big 12.

“It’s been a long season. Thursday, we came back and practiced, I didn’t even recognize the team,” Lloyd said after Arizona’s 89-79 win over Colorado. “That’s to be expected.”

Arizona showed signs of a conference championship hangover on Saturday night, falling behind by 11 points to the Buffaloes in the first half. The Wildcats closed the half on a run, and eventually put themselves in position for a program-record 29th regular season win.

Whether it was the altitude, the extended break from practice, or the 9 p.m. start time, Arizona didn’t quite like right … until it did.

”You could probably try to find lots of reasons,“ Lloyd said. ”But I know this: human nature is tough to beat. Human nature is almost undefeated, So a lot of these seasons is just figuring out how to endure the ups and downs, and the emotions that go with the season.“

Our recap of the game can be found here. Below is what Lloyd said postgame.

Lloyd on Arizona overcoming a sluggish start: “I knew it was going to be a tough game down here. As you guys know, I have a lot of respect for Tad and their coaching staff and the program. They play spirited. It was a great test for our guys. I had been bouncing around a few plans to change our rotation, play more guys, and then when I saw the way we came out, a little bit flat, not great energy, I thought it was more important that we figured out how to dig back in the game and be able to draw on that rather than then maybe play some other guys. We’ve rode hard with these eight guys. They’re really good players. I think our energy is good right now, once we got to got it figured out in that game, we were pretty good. But I think it’s important for us to understand, as you head into the postseason that, you’re going to have games like that where you’re playing against a team that’s playing their ass off and playing really good, and maybe your energy’s not quite where you want it to be, but you got to be able to dig deep and respond. I was really proud of our guys’ effort. Hopefully this was a lesson learned, you know, because obviously it’d be great if we could continue to play for a long time.”

On the significance of the team’s late first half run: “Well, obviously it’s a massive benefit getting closer. Then basically you get in a neck in neck game right away, and then we can kind of set up our next run, is what you’re hoping. We were down 11, I think we just told our guys, like, ‘Hey, it’s one of these situations. Let’s just climb our way back in this game, possession by possession. See if we cut into this lead a little bit and put ourselves in and position in the second half to make it a ball game.‘ I think that’s a great skill to learn how to do, to kind of figure out how to not let the let the game get away from you too early. And I thought our guys did a great job with a nice little run there towards the end of the first half.”

On what may have contributed to Arizona’s first half play: “I don’t know. You’ll have to ask our guys. I don’t know, altitude. I know we played obviously Monday night against Iowa State. And you know, there’s a lot of emotions in the game, and a lot of pats on the back so to speak. And then we took Tuesday off. We took Wednesday off. It’s been a long season. Thursday, we came back and practiced, I didn’t even recognize the team. That’s to be expected. And then Friday we were a little bit better. I thought we had a good practice. I was hoping we’d come out and play really well from the start today, but we didn’t. And the ability to figure it out, it’s really important. And I thought the guys really showed some resolve, and I’m proud of them.”

On the fan support in Boulder: “Oh for sure. Our fans are a force. Our fans are the backbone of our program. Arizona’s had a long, strong basketball tradition way before I was even born. So we wanted to tap into that, and we love coming on the road and hearing the U of A chants and all of our fans out there. It just reminds us how special it is for us to be representing University of Arizona basketball.”

On facing Colorado’s backcourt: “Two good players. I felt like we weren’t on it defensively for long stretches in the game today. And let’s give Colorado a lot of credit on offense, I mean they’re a good offensive team. Their offensive numbers, they show that. Those two guards are good, and those guys were important parts of the scout, but their bigs also hit a few jump shots that maybe you’re not you’re not counting on. It was kind of a collective effort by them. I thought we made a lot of defensive mistakes, and I don’t want to take any credit away from Colorado, but we got to be a little more disciplined in some situations with our coverages and our recoveries and things of that nature. We’ve been a really, really good defensive team at times this season. We’re at our best defensively when we’re limiting our mistakes.”

On facing Isaiah Johnson: “He’s a really good player. Obviously the most I’ve ever watched him was this week, and obviously on the court today. I mean, everything he did impressed me. He’s got a great handle, he’s a lefty, and he knows how to get right, to get back left, consistently. And then he’s got a knack for getting fouled, which is a great skill to have.”

On Brayden Burries and Koa Peat’s performances: “I thought Brayden obviously didn’t have a good start to the game. I thought I looked down there. and I don’t know what he was like 1-6 or something like that. We just don’t really have to challenge him. He’s a competitor, and he kind of figured it out on his own and got himself going a little bit. I didn’t realize he had 31 points, but for him to do that was great. And then obviously let’s mention Koa. Koa goes 12 for 15, 25 points. I think he had about 19 in the first half. When your team’s not playing good, it’s great to have a guy like that step up and kind of keep your team in the game. Koa did a great job of that in the first half.”

On what spurred Peat’s 19-point first half: “I think Koa is just a really good basketball player. I think he got to his spots, he made a few shots, he finished with force at the rim. He’s just a really good player. I don’t think it was anything in particular, but he got a good rhythm going and he had a great game.”

On Bangot Dak’s play: “His length impacts the game around the rim, and I think he made those three (field goals), I didn’t realize he was only 3-8, but he made them all in a row, and in the second half, we were trying to kind of pull away a little bit, and he kept them in the game. Just a good player. He’s just a good player and it has been fun to watch him, kind of from afar, develop. He’s obviously gotten better over the course of three years. But I got a lot of respect for him.”

On playing a late Saturday night game and whether that contributed to the slow start: “You could probably try to find lots of reasons. But I know this: human nature is tough to beat. Human nature is almost undefeated, So a lot of these seasons is just figuring out how to endure the ups and downs, and the emotions that go with the season. The fatigue that comes with the season. I can’t give you like one thing in particular. But again, in closing, I want to give a lot of credit to Colorado. I thought they came out with great energy, and they kind of got us on our heels a little bit. And then I want to give our guys credit for being able to respond to an adverse situation and a tough road environment, just a tough situation.”

On the adjustment of playing later in the day: “It is what it is. I love Saturday afternoon games and you know that. We got a Saturday night game, you know? And you know what? I do know this, it’s great to be on national TV a lot. And if you want to be on national TV a lot, you’re going to have, especially on the West Coast, you’re going to get some of these hops, some of these 9 pm games. So no complaints for me. Just want to get on the bus, get on the plane, get home and get rested up.”

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Arizona

What have the Cardinals done in NFL free agency? – Arizona Sports

Published

8 hours ago

March 10, 2026

Press Room

What have the Cardinals done in NFL free agency? – Arizona Sports

The NFL’s legal tampering window is officially open, and it didn’t take long for the Arizona Cardinals to get in the mix.

A running list of the new names and familiar faces coming to Arizona in 2026:

New names on Cardinals roster this free agency

Kendrick Bourne

The former San Francisco 49ers and New England Patriots wide receiver brings another body to Arizona’s wide receivers room that includes Michael Wilson and Marvin Harrison Jr.

He’s got plenty of familiarity with new Cardinals head coach Mike LaFleur from their time together in San Francisco (2017-20). Bourne also spent a year with expected Cardinals starter Jacoby Brissett in 2024 with the Patriots.

The wide receiver caught 37 passes for 551 yards in 16 games played (eight starts) last year.

He’s now on board for two years in Arizona.

Isaac Seumalo

The guard spent the past three years with the Pittsburgh Steelers after a seven-season stint with the Philadelphia Eagles.

He’s started 104 out of 125 games played and has spent time at both left and right guard during his NFL career.

According to Next Gen Stats, the guard allowed a 3.7% pressure rate last year. That was the lowest rate among all eligible guards in 2025.

Gardner Minshew

Minshew agreed to terms on a one-year deal on Monday.

He’s expected to back up expected starter Jacoby Brissett in 2026, according to Arizona Sports’ John Gambadoro.

Coming off his seventh NFL season and first with the Kansas City Chiefs, Minshew appeared in four games (one start) last year. He completed 46.2% of his throws for 37 yards and an interception.

Before landing with the Chiefs, Minshew spent time with the Las Vegas Raiders (2024), Indianapolis Colts (2023), Philadelphia Eagles (2021-22) and Jacksonville Jaguars (2019-20).

RB Tyler Allgeier

Allgeier comes over to Arizona on a reported two-year contract.

Before agreeing to terms on the $12.25 million deal with Arizona on Monday, Allgeier played four seasons with the Atlanta Falcons.

He ran for 514 yards and eight touchdowns on 143 carries last year, while adding another 14 catches for 96 yards.

While he worked mostly behind Bijan Robinson the past three years, Allgeier did surpass the 1,000-yard mark as a rookie in 2022.

Familiar faces

L.J. Collier

Collier is back on a one-year deal.

The defensive lineman appeared in four games in 2025 due to a knee injury suffered in Week 2.

He recorded six tackles and two QB hits in what was his third season with the team.

Roy Lopez

After a one-year stint with the Detroit Lions, Lopez is back with his hometown team on a reported two-year deal.

In 17 games played last year, he recorded two sacks, four tackles for loss and a pass defensed.

Before his time in Detroit, Lopez spent two seasons with Arizona from 2023-24. During that span, he registered a sack, six tackles for loss, three passes defensed and a forced fumble in 30 games played (21 starts).

K Chad Ryland

Ryland is back on a one-year deal, the team announced.

Ryland went through plenty of struggles last season after a having a career year in 2024. His accuracy dropped from 87.5% in 2024 to 75.8% last season. He was especially inconsistent from 40 yards and on, compiling a 13-of-20 mark (65%). Inside 40 yards, though, Ryland was 12-of-13 (92.3%).

Arizona brought in kicker Josh Karty late in the year (more on him later), but Ryland never gave up his role and appeared in all 17 games.

A one-year deal isn’t going to break the bank by any means.

P Blake Gillikin

The Cardinals must feel pretty good about where Gillikin is at in his recovering from a back injury last year with their signing of the punter to a one-year deal.

Before he went down five games into the season, the punter was leading the league in yards per punt with 51.7.

Not only that, across his five seasons (65 games) in the NFL, he holds the all-time record for yards per punt at 48.5.

Staying healthy is key for Gillikin, who also missed time in 2024 due to an ankle injury.

RB James Conner

Technically not a free agent, Conner was a potential cut candidate given his contract.

But after reportedly revising his deal, Conner is returning for his sixth season with the Cardinals.

The running back brings plenty of leadership and a bruising running style to the mix.

He’s coming off an abbreviated 2025 (three games) due to an ankle injury but had rushed for a pair of 1,000-yard seasons the two years prior. He scored at least seven rushing touchdowns each season from 2022-24.

CB Sean Murphy-Bunting

Much like Conner, Murphy-Bunting was another prime cut candidate due to his contract but reportedly revised his deal with Arizona as well.

Murphy-Bunting has a lot to prove after missing all of 2025 due to an injury suffered away from the team facility.

In his first season with the Cardinals, the cornerback recorded 52 tackles, three interceptions, five passes defensed and two forced fumbles across 15 starts.

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Arizona

Arizona’s Jaden Bradley named Big 12 men’s basketball player of year

Published

20 hours ago

March 9, 2026

Press Room

Arizona’s Jaden Bradley named Big 12 men’s basketball player of year

The Arizona men’s basketball team went 29-2 overall and 16-2 in the Big 12, winning the conference’s regular season title.

The Wildcats were rewarded for their dominance in the Big 12’s men’s basketball awards, which were announced on March 9.

Arizona’s Jaden Bradley was named the Big 12 Player of the Year, while Tobe Awaka earned the conference’s Sixth Man of the Year award and coach Tommy Lloyd earned Coach of the Year accolades.

Bradley averaged 13.4 points and 4.6 assists. Awaka was the nation’s leading rebounder off the bench, averaging 9.7 rebounds and 9.9 points when entering the game as a reserve. Lloyd led Arizona to its first Big 12 regular-season title.

Arizona State was completely shut out of the awards, with Moe Odum not receiving honorable mention honors despite averaging 17.1 points per game and 5.9 assists per game for the Sun Devils.

2026 Phillips 66 All-Big 12 Men’s Basketball Awards

Player of the Year: Jaden Bradley, Arizona
Defensive Player of the Year: Flory Bidunga, Kansas
Scholar-Athlete of the Year: Tamin Lipsey, Iowa State
Freshman of the Year: AJ Dybantsa, BYU
Newcomer of the Year: Melvin Council Jr., Kansas
Sixth Man Award: Tobe Awaka, Arizona*
Most Improved: Christian Anderson, Texas Tech
Coach of the Year: Tommy Lloyd, Arizona

All-Big 12 First Team

Jaden Bradley, Arizona
Brayden Burries, Arizona
Motiejus Krivas, Arizona
AJ Dybantsa, BYU*
Emanuel Sharp, Houston
Kingston Flemings, Houston*
Joshua Jefferson, Iowa State
Flory Bidunga, Kansas
Christian Anderson, Texas Tech
JT Toppin, Texas Tech*

All-Big 12 Second Team

Richie Saunders, BYU
Baba Miller, Cincinnati
Tamin Lipsey, Iowa State
Milan Momcilovic, Iowa State
Darryn Peterson, Kansas

All-Big 12 Third Team

Koa Peat, Arizona
Cameron Carr, Baylor
Rob Wright, BYU
Themus Fulks, UCF
Xavier Edmonds, TCU

All-Big 12 Honorable Mention:

Arizona: Tobe Awaka
Baylor: Tounde Yessoufou
Cincinnati: Moustapha Thiam
Colorado: Isaiah Johnson
Houston: Joseph Tugler, Milos Uzan
Kansas: Melvin Council Jr.
Kansas State: PJ Haggerty
Oklahoma State: Parsa Fallah
TCU: David Punch
Texas Tech: Donovan Atwell
West Virginia: Honor Huff
Utah: Terrence Brown

All-Defensive Team

Jaden Bradley, Arizona
Motiejus Krivas, Arizona
Emanuel Sharp, Houston
Joseph Tugler, Houston
Tamin Lipsey, Iowa State
Flory Bidunga, Kansas*

A tie resulted in an extra position on the team

All-Freshman Team

Brayden Burries, Arizona*
Koa Peat, Arizona
AJ Dybantsa, BYU*
Kingston Flemings, Houston*
Darryn Peterson, Kansas*

All-Newcomer Team

Cameron Carr, Baylor
Themus Fulks, UCF
Baba Miller, Cincinnati
Melvin Council Jr., Kansas
Donovan Atwell, Texas Tech

*- unanimous selection

Reach Jeremy Cluff at jeremy.cluff@arizonarepublic.com. Follow him on X, formerly Twitter @Jeremy_Cluff.

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Arizona

Arizona gas prices rise above national average amid Middle East conflict

Published

1 day ago

March 9, 2026

Press Room

Arizona gas prices rise above national average amid Middle East conflict

PHOENIX (AZFamily) — The average price of regular gasoline in Arizona surged more than 30 cents in just a few days, according to AAA, leaving the state’s average at around $3.84 per gallon as of Sunday. The national average stands at $3.45.

Arizona is now one of the most expensive states in the country to fill up, topping the national average by nearly 40 cents.

AAA said the war in Iran is affecting crude oil prices, which are now trading at more than $100 per barrel. Arizona’s Family also reported a slowdown in a major ship channel in the Middle East, adding further pressure to the market.

A seasonal factor is also contributing to the spike. The transition to summer-blend gasoline, which is required in spring, is driving prices higher as well.

Drivers at a central Phoenix gas station said they were caught off guard by the rapid increase.

“I was appalled,” one driver said.

“It was ridiculous,” said another.

“That is a lot, especially in such a short period of time,” said Andrea Webb.

The gas station attendant said some drivers are limiting how much they spend per fill-up, putting in only $10 to $20 at a time. Others said they are actively searching for the lowest posted price.

“I feel like I’m always on the hunt for whatever is the cheapest gas,” said Bailey Mitchell. “This was $4.09 versus $4.15, so I’ll take it.”

Not all drivers said they are cutting back.

“I’m gonna bite the bullet. I need gas in my car. I’ll fill it up,” said Webb.

ASU professor of supply chain management, Hitendra Chaturvedi, said oil prices could approach $130 per barrel if the war in Iran continues. That scenario could push Arizona gas prices close to $6 per gallon, the professor said. No timeline was given.

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