Arizona Vs Kansas St 🏀 Game Preview/Discussion Thread 1/7/26 at 7pm FS1

[WILD]

Arizona Vs Kansas St 🏀 Game Preview/Discussion Thread 1/7/26 at 7pm FS1

The Arizona Wildcats head into their upcoming Big 12 matchup against Kansas State carrying strong momentum after a dominant start to the 2025–26 season. Arizona opened the year undefeated through non-conference play, showcasing one of the nation's most efficient offenses while consistently winning by double digits. The Wildcats have leaned on balanced scoring, strong interior play, and defensive pressure that has limited opponents' shooting percentages and forced turnovers. Playing at McKale Center has once again been a major advantage, where Arizona has continued its tradition of fast starts and high energy.

Kansas State arrives in Tucson looking to bounce back as conference play ramps up. The Wildcats from Manhattan enter the game with a solid overall record but are still searching for consistency, particularly on the road. Kansas State has shown the ability to score in spurts, led by a guard-heavy lineup that emphasizes attacking the basket and pushing tempo. However, defensive lapses and streaky perimeter shooting have been areas to clean up as Big 12 competition intensifies.

This matchup also carries recent history, as Kansas State defeated Arizona 73-70 during the 2024–25 season in a tightly contested game that came down to the final possessions. Arizona will be looking for vengeance by gaining control early and continuing its strong play on both ends of the floor, while Kansas State aims to prove it can compete with one of the league's top teams. With conference standings already at stake, this game figures to be an important early measuring stick for both programs. Jason Bennetti will be calling play by play & Bill Raferty providing analysis.

Let's talk about the Wildcats Vs Wildcats! 

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[arxpert]

Koa 15pts 10reb...

Not sure what those Charters are thinking anymore. Michigan barely beat Penn State.

Maybe they are Charters in the sense on Sharters.

I saw a game tonight where we were yet again not playing good enough defense and relying on just smothering offense.

We are very lucky that Krivas can hit FTs. In fact, a bit lucky that Tobe Rodman-Awaka can hit some FTs too.

I really want to see us win games like this "101-58". That would show me there is an effort defensively. Sure we can chalk up about 10pts to just letting it all go with 5min to go once their spirit was broken, but it was like a 12pt game with plenty of time in the 2nd half.

Those types of scenarios can creep up on you. A quick 8-0 type run and suddenly we are only up 4 after "cruising" and players can tighten up, refs will blow whistles, not letting everything go.

We just don't want to be in that position.

So hopefully Tommy can reach these keeeedz before it is too late.

This serves as an appreciation post. I have spoken.

ONWARD AND UP
BEARDOWN

[KansasCityCats]

It was a fun and fast paced game. Holding K-State to 34% from the field is an accomplishment, although we never found a way to fight through high screens without getting cheap foul calls, which allowed for a few open looks.

[arxpert]

It was a fun and fast paced game. Holding K-State to 34% from the field is an accomplishment, although we never found a way to fight through high screens without getting cheap foul calls, which allowed for a few open looks.

The fighting through screens is 1 way refs will slap cheapie fouls on us. I don't blame Tommy for not coaching that part as much. We are 8 deep. He has mishandled Sidi so far. However, Tommy needs to have it in his bag overall. That is, the fighting through screens part. It can't just be "let's just trade 2s for 2s and 3s and smother them until they are gassed out with 5min to go".

We will only see a "UCLA or Houston" 1 or 2 times.

The real measure of how we are Coached will show vs Kansas and BYU. Iowa State is a tweener that presents certain issues that we will have to be confident against.

[KansasCityCats]

As Jerome Tang emphasized last night, there are NO nights off in the Big-12.

Houston traditionally plays a boring tempo but even they scored in the 90's on multiple occasions (including a wild matchup against ranked Arkansas). 

Oklahoma State pulled off an upset against UCF, Colorado started 2-0 in league play and assu always tries their best to steal a game from Arizona.

Hopefully our outside shots start to fall.  I like the fact that Delly is slumping during the insignificant games because we'll need him against the matchups that you previously mentioned (BYU, KU, ISU, etc).