Arizona played Washington significantly tougher than most thought. And a big reason why was the defense.

On the offense, Noah Fifita started our slow but caught fire in the second half. What does this mean going forward?

And can the Cats steal a game against USC in LA?

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Arizona Wildcats stand as the team to beat—but which matchups pose the greatest threat to their championship run? College basketball analyst Leif Thulin unpacks why interior battles, not three-point barrages, give Arizona the most trouble and spotlights the teams best equipped to challenge their dominance.

Key analysis includes the Illinois Fighting Illini’s imposing size and red-hot Keaton Wagler, Florida Gators’ rebounding power, and sleeper threats like Arkansas and St. John’s with explosive guards and disruptive defensive schemes. Leif Thulin breaks down how Coach Tommy Lloyd’s squad can maintain their edge, what makes Mo Krivas a defensive standout, and the razor-thin margins that separate Elite 8 dreams from upset heartbreak. Which teams have the blueprint to trouble Arizona—and can anyone keep them from cutting down the nets?

0:00 – Arizona’s Biggest Weaknesses
Leif Thulin breaks down common narratives about what troubles the Arizona Wildcats, pinpoints the real challenges (rebounding/size over three-point shooting), and sets the stage for deeper analysis.

10:00 – Toughest Matchups by Seed
Leif Thulin analyzes which teams at each seed line present the most difficult stylistic matchups for Arizona, with a deep dive into Illinois, Florida, and wild card teams with dangerous potential.

26:30 – Wild Cards & Dangerous Lower Seeds
Leif Thulin discusses dangerous potential 7-9 seeds (Arkansas, St. John’s, Kentucky, Michigan State), explains what specific traits make these teams threats, and wraps up with thoughts on ideal tournament paths.

Arizona Wildcats, Arizona basketball, NCAA tournament, March Madness, college basketball, toughest matchups Arizona, Illinois Fighting Illini, Florida Gators, St. John's, Arkansas basketball, Kentucky basketball, Big 12 basketball, Tommy Lloyd, Maalik Crevas, Braden Buries, Jaden Bradley, Keaton Wagler, Kylan Boswell, Andres Stojakovic, Alex Condon, Reuben Chinulu, Trevon Brazil, Darius Acuff, Rick Pitino, NBA draft prospects

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Leif Thulin analyzes Arizona's thumping of ASU and gives 3 big takeaways from that game that he believes will carry over throughout the rest of the season. Leif thinks this could be the best Arizona team ever and that this is the most balanced team in years in the entire country.

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Former UCLA Bruin Amari Bailey has played in 10 NBA games, but is now seeking a return to the college ranks. In the midst of the Charles Bediako situation, this is a whole new level of a player who has actually played in NBA games trying to get back to College Basketball.

Jamal Mashburn went on the record saying he would take Arizona's Koa Peat over Cooper Flagg. Is he crazy, or is there something to it?

Previews of the first Duke-UNC matchup of the season, plus the second week of Big Monday (Kansas at Texas Tech, Syracuse at UNC).

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Mazda
Like our players, we’re driven by the details. Because highlights make the reel. What it takes to get there makes it count.
There’s more to a Mazda. Because there’s more to you.

Turbo Tax
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Leif Thulin reacts to the rivalry WIN by Arizona over the ASU Sun Devils.

Arizona was led by a trio of freshman. Peat, Burries and Karchenkov were spectacular to pace the Wildcats with 50 points between the trio.

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Gametime
Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.

Mazda
Like our players, we’re driven by the details. Because highlights make the reel. What it takes to get there makes it count.
There’s more to a Mazda. Because there’s more to you.

Turbo Tax
For a limited time, you can have your taxes done by a local TurboTax expert for just $150 — all in, if a TurboTax expert didn’t file for you last year. Just file by February 28. Take taxes off your plate and get back to your life.
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Big 12 basketball faces unexpected backlash as ESPN’s Joe Lunardi slashes conference bracketology rankings, raising questions about media bias and the future of NCAA selection. Is the Big 12’s dominance being overlooked in favor of SEC propaganda? The local experts debate Lunardi’s projections, the impact on teams like Kansas, Houston, BYU, and Arizona, and how perception shapes both tournament seeding and recruiting battles.

Transfer portal tampering takes center stage as the fallout from Ole Miss targeting Clemson’s Luke Forelli and the Duke-to-Miami Darian Mensah saga spark heated discussions on NIL contracts, buyouts, and conference accountability. From multi-year deals and player retention strategies to coaches pushing boundaries, the hosts break down what’s at stake for roster stability and competitive balance. Is hope the only strategy left for programs outside college football’s elite? Don’t miss this bold critique of college sports politics and Big 12 resilience.

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