Less than four years into his head coaching career, Tommy Lloyd has achieved a remarkable milestone. His Arizona Wildcats secured a decisive 92-78 victory over Oklahoma State on Tuesday night, marking Lloyd’s 100th career win. This achievement came in just his 126th game as a head coach, matching the number of games it took his mentor, Mark Few, to reach the same mark at Gonzaga. The Wildcats demonstrated impressive shooting accuracy and resilience, overcoming significant foul trouble to secure their success. Key players like Caleb Love and Trey Townsend played pivotal roles, contributing significantly to the team's offensive output.
Lloyd spent over two decades learning under Few before venturing out on his own. His rapid ascent mirrors that of his mentor, showcasing not only his coaching prowess but also the effectiveness of the lessons he absorbed. On this particular night, the Wildcats displayed remarkable efficiency, hitting 56.1% of their shots, a stark contrast from their previous performance where they shot only 31%. The team capitalized on Oklahoma State's turnovers, converting them into valuable points. Despite facing early foul issues, especially in the frontcourt, Arizona managed to stay competitive and ultimately dominant.
The game began with Oklahoma State taking an early lead, capitalizing on Arizona's cautious defensive approach which led to quick fouls. However, the Wildcats quickly adjusted, going on a scoring run midway through the first half. Players like Jaden Bradley and Carter Bryant stepped up, providing crucial contributions. Bradley hit a buzzer-beating three-pointer to end the first half, while Bryant scored nine points in the opening period. After halftime, Arizona's offense surged, making their first five shots of the second half and extending their lead to double digits.
Towards the end of the game, Arizona maintained control, despite a brief lull that allowed Oklahoma State to close the gap. The Wildcats' ability to rebuild and extend their lead was evident, culminating in a commanding finish. Trey Townsend, who had a standout performance, contributed significantly with both scoring and key plays. Lloyd's strategic adjustments and player management were instrumental in navigating the challenges posed by foul trouble and maintaining the team's momentum.
With this win, Lloyd's Arizona Wildcats have now secured a road split and are set to return home for their next two games. The team's upcoming match against Colorado will be an opportunity to build on this momentum. Lloyd's swift rise to 100 wins highlights his potential to become a formidable force in college basketball, following in the footsteps of his mentor while carving out his own path.