While ramping up discussions about Arizona basketball history and culture with his players before this season, coach Tommy Lloyd couldnβt miss one particular chapter.
The one about Pac-12 titles. Regular-season menβs basketball Pac-12 or Pac-10 titles.
The category Arizona has owned since joining the conference in 1978-79. With 15 shared or outright championshipsΒ β plus titles in 2016-17 and 2017-18 that were later vacated because of NCAA sanctionsΒ β the Wildcats have more than UCLA (12) and everyone else in the conference over that period.
This week, they have a chance to exit the conference with No. 18, and in a historically challenging location at Los Angeles. Arizona must beat UCLA and USC in order to win the conference outright, or split the trip if Washington State loses at home to Washington on Thursday.
They can also assure themselves of at least a shared title by winning one game.
The chapter is closing, and the current Wildcats get to write the final paragraph.
USC forward Joshua Morgan (24), left, and forward Kijani Wright (33) tie up Arizona center Oumar Ballo (11) as he tries to claim a rebound in the first half of their Pac-12 matchup at McKale Center on Jan. 17.
βWe know what we're playing for,β UA center Oumar Ballo said. βEvery game is important for us.β
While Lloyd generally prefers not to speak of the big picture or the what-ifs during the season, this is all something even he canβt avoid. So when asked about the significance of possibly winning another Pac-12 title, he described it only as part of the journey.
βI mean, it's something we've always had desire to win,β Lloyd said during his weekly news conference. βBut thereβs steps. β¦ We're done playing in McKale. We're wrapping up the regular season. Then thereβs the (Pac-12) tournament and then the NCAA tournament.
Lloyd said that even if a team doesn't win the regular season title, it can "still play well in the NCAA tournament. We want to go step-by-step and keep building. Our focus right now is to try to come out and play really well.β
Of course, it is true that Arizona could actually finish second in the Pac-12 behind WSU and still wind up with a No. 1 NCAA Tournament seed that could set the Wildcats up for a long NCAA Tournament run β if UA loses only once this weekend, then goes on to win the Pac-12 Tournament and maybe also receives some help from losses elsewhere around the country.
Arizona guard Pelle Larsson (3) forces UCLA guard Jan Vide (27) into a miss on a fast break during the second half of the Wildcats' Pac-12 victory over the Bruins at McKale Center on Jan. 20.
Itβs also true that regular-season conference titles donβt guarantee anything in the NCAA Tournament, anyway. Arizona learned that lesson in 2017-18, when it was bounced in the first round, and in 2021-22, when the Wildcats needed overtime to escape a second-round game with TCU and lost to Houston in the Sweet 16.
So maybe all that can be some consolation if things donβt work out for the Wildcats this weekend, at least. After all, despite all those conference championships, their history in Los Angeles hasn't been fun lately.
Arizona has lost five straight games at Pauley Pavilion, and the Wildcats havenβt swept the Los Angeles trip since Sean Miller led the Wildcats to an outright Pac-12 title and Elite Eight appearance in 2013-14.
If the Wildcats continue that history with a split this weekend, they will pick up Pac-12 title No. 18 if WSU beats WashingtonΒ β or win it outright if WSU loses.
Both games could offer plenty of challenge for the Wildcats. USC is likely to pose much more of a threat than it did at McKale Center on Jan. 17, considering that they'll have leading scorers Boogie Ellis and Isiaah Collier available after both missed UAβs 82-67 win that evening.
Arizona guard Jaden Bradley (0) bounces off UCLA guard Lazar Stefanovic (10) while trying to twist a shot toward the hoop during the Wildcatsβ win over the Bruins in a Pac-12 matchup in January at McKale Center.
While UCLA is riding a four-game losing streak during what is turning out to be a major rebuilding season, itβs worth noting that the Bruins took a 19-point lead before losing 77-71 to Arizona on Jan. 20 at McKale.
Also, well, theyβre the Bruins.
At least thatβs the way UA associate head coach Jack Murphy, a multi-decade veteran of Pac-12 play, sees it.
βThere's a lot of tradition there, and it's a great history between UCLA and Arizona," Murphy said. "So whether it's for the conference championship, or not for the conference championship, UCLA and Arizona has its own meaning.β
However you look at the weekend, it's a challenge that Lloyd is embracing.
Title or no title.
βI love how it sets up,β Lloyd said. βI mean, weβre done with McKale. Itβs time to move on and play away from here. I couldn't have asked for a better ending.
βI'm not talking Pac-12. You guys can get all philosophical and emotional and sentimental about that. I'm just saying that for us to go out and finish the season on the road is good, because we're gonna have to play really well away from home the rest of the year. I think we have been playing well away from home as of late. So let's keep it going.β
Photos: Arizona Wildcats defeat UCLA 77-71 in Tucson, Pac 12 basketball
Arizona guard Caleb Love (2) gives a big yell after getting loose for an emphatic dunk against UCLA in their Pac 12 game at McKale Center, Tucson, Ariz., January 20, 2024.
The crowd erupts behind a celebrating Arizona guard Pelle Larsson (3) after the Wildcats made a late stand and forced an UCLA turnover to cling to their slim in the final minute McKale Center, Tucson, Ariz., January 20, 2024.
Arizona forward Keshad Johnson (16) sneaks in from behind to swat away jumper from UCLA guard Lazar Stefanovic (10) in the second half in their Pac 12 game at McKale Center, Tucson, Ariz., January 20, 2024.
Arizona guard KJ Lewis (5) finishes off a dunk over UCLA forward Adem Bona (3) in their Pac 12 game at McKale Center, Tucson, Ariz., January 20, 2024.
Arizona guard Pelle Larsson (3) gestures to a teammate after slipping home a long range jumper in the first half against UCLA in their Pac 12 game at McKale Center, Tucson, Ariz., January 20, 2024.
Arizona guard Kylan Boswell (4) gets in center Oumar Balloβs (11) face after Ballo drew a foul and basket in the second half against UCLA in their Pac 12 game at McKale Center, Tucson, Ariz., January 20, 2024.
UCLA guard Lazar Stefanovic (10) gets a handful of Arizona guard Pelle Larsson (3) picking up the foul during the second half in their Pac 12 game at McKale Center, Tucson, Ariz., January 20, 2024.
Arizona guard Caleb Love (2), left, and guard Kylan Boswell (4) yell in front of UCLA forward Kenneth Nwuba (14) after Love drew a foul on his score in the second half in their Pac 12 game at McKale Center, Tucson, Ariz., January 20, 2024.
Arizona guard Pelle Larsson (3) celebrates after drawing a charge against UCLA as the game winds down at McKale Center, Tucson, Ariz., January 20, 2024.
UCLA forward Kenneth Nwuba (14) anguishes after the Bruins missed a series of three pointers in one possession and trailing by four to Arizona in their Pac 12 game at McKale Center, Tucson, Ariz., January 20, 2024.
Arizona football players Gunner Maldonado, left, and Treydan Stukes come out on the court with other members of the team during a timeout in the first half of the UA menβs basketball teamβs game against UCLA at McKale Center. Both players, along with numerous other teammates, have stated that theyβll stay with the UA program to play for new coach Brent Brennan in 2024.
Bennedict Mathurin speaks at a press conference about being inducted into the McKale Center Ring of Honor prior to the Arizona game against UCLA, Tucson, Ariz., January 20, 2024.
Arizona guard Pelle Larsson (3) tries to bat a rebound from UCLA guard Will McClendon (4), left, and guard Dylan Andrews (2) in their Pac 12 game at McKale Center, Tucson, Ariz., January 20, 2024.
Arizona guard Caleb Love (2) rises for dunk to finish off a steal against UCLA during the first half in their Pac 12 game at McKale Center, Tucson, Ariz., January 20, 2024.
Former Wildcats and current Indiana Pacers teammates TJ McConnell, left, and Bennedict Mathurin chat after Mathurin was inducted into the McKale Center Ring of Honor at halftime of the Arizonaβs game against UCLA on Jan. 20.
Arizona guard KJ Lewis (5) gets hammered by UCLA guard Dylan Andrews (2) fighting for a rebound in their Pac-12 game at McKale Center on Jan. 20. Old rivals UA and UCLA are scheduled to meet three times over the next four seasons.
UCLA forward Adem Bona (3) picks up a goal tending foul swatting away a shot from Arizona guard Pelle Larsson (3) in the second half of their Pac 12 game at McKale Center, Tucson, Ariz., January 20, 2024.
Arizona guard KJ Lewis (5), left, guard Caleb Love (2) and guard Kylan Boswell (4) celebrate Loveβs and-one opportunity in front of UCLA forward Kenneth Nwuba (14) in their Pac 12 game at McKale Center, Tucson, Ariz., January 20, 2024.
Arizona guard KJ Lewis (5) ties up UCLA guard Sebastian Mack (12) trying to reel in a pass during the second half in their Pac 12 game at McKale Center, Tucson, Ariz., January 20, 2024.
Arizona forward Keshad Johnson (16) goes up with UCLA forward Kenneth Nwuba (14), top, and guard Lazar Stefanovic (10) for a rebound in their Pac 12 game at McKale Center, Tucson, Ariz., January 20, 2024.
Arizona guard Pelle Larsson (3) pulls a loose ball out of the hands of UCLA guard Ilane Fibleuil (8) in the first half in their Pac 12 game at McKale Center, Tucson, Ariz., January 20, 2024.
Arizona center Oumar Ballo (11) forces his way past UCLA forward Kenneth Nwuba (14) in their Pac 12 game at McKale Center, Tucson, Ariz., January 20, 2024.
Arizona guard Jaden Bradley, left, bounces off UCLA guard Lazar Stefanovic trying to twist a shot in during their Pac-12 game at McKale Center on Jan. 20.
Arizona guard Kylan Boswell (4) gets close UCLA guard Sebastian Mack (12) applying defensive pressure in their Pac 12 game at McKale Center, Tucson, Ariz., January 20, 2024.
Arizona center Oumar Ballo (11) canβt quite get to the ball, losing the rebound to UCLA guard Lazar Stefanovic (10) and forward Berke Buyuktuncel (9) in their Pac 12 game at McKale Center, Tucson, Ariz., January 20, 2024.
UCLA head coach Mick Cronin reacts to a Bruin foul late in the second half against Arizona in their Pac 12 game at McKale Center, Tucson, Ariz., January 20, 2024.
Arizona guard Jaden Bradley (0) gets squeezed between UCLA guard Brandon Williams (5) and forward Kenneth Nwuba (14) in their Pac 12 game at McKale Center, Tucson, Ariz., January 20, 2024.
Arizona guard Pelle Larsson (3) forces UCLA guard Jan Vide (27) into a miss on a breakaway during the second half in their Pac 12 game at McKale Center, Tucson, Ariz., January 20, 2024.
Arizona head coach Tommy Lloyd talks to one of the game officials on a call in the second half against UCLA in their Pac 12 game at McKale Center, Tucson, Ariz., January 20, 2024.
Arizona guard KJ Lewis (5) reaches in to prevent the transfer of possession from UCLA forward Adem Bona (3) to guard Lazar Stefanovic (10) in their Pac 12 game at McKale Center, Tucson, Ariz., January 20, 2024.
Arizona center Oumar Ballo (11) looks to his bench and teammates after hard won put back bucket against UCLA in their Pac 12 game at McKale Center, Tucson, Ariz., January 20, 2024.
VIDEO: With an introduction from coach Tommy Lloyd, Arizona men's basketball seniors Grant Weitman, Keshad Johnson, Caleb Love, Oumar Ballo and Pelle Larsson speak to fans in McKale Center Saturday on Senior Day following the Wildcats' win over Oregon in the final home game of the 2023-24 season. (Courtesy Arizona Athletics)
Former Arizona Wildcats men's basketball player and longtime Major League Baseball legend Kenny Lofton saw his name placed in the UA basketball Ring of Honor at McKale Center Saturday, March 2, 2024, during a UA blowout win over Oregon. (Courtesy Arizona Athletics)
Photos: Arizona takes down Washington 91-75, Pac 12 basketball
Washington forward Keion Brooks Jr. (1) tries to claw back a loose ball from Arizona guard KJ Lewis (5) in the second half of their Pac 12 game at McKale Center, Tucson, Ariz., February 22, 2024.
Arizona center Oumar Ballo (11) tries to get his hands on a rebound in front of Washington forward Wilhelm Breidenbach (32) in the second half of their Pac 12 game at McKale Center, Tucson, Ariz., February 22, 2024.
Arizona guard KJ Lewis (5) scoops his way past Washington guard Paul Mulcahy (9) for reverse lay up in the second half of their Pac 12 game at McKale Center, Tucson, Ariz., February 22, 2024.
Arizona forward Keshad Johnson (16) sends Washington guard Paul Mulcahy (9) flying as the two collide trying to get to an alley-oop pass from Arizona guard Caleb Love (2) in the second half of their Pac 12 game at McKale Center, Tucson, Ariz., February 22, 2024.
Arizona center Motiejus Krivas (14) gets a hand on Washington center Braxton Meah (34) trying to win a rebound in the second half of their Pac 12 game at McKale Center, Tucson, Ariz., February 22, 2024.
Arizona guard KJ Lewis (5) scoops his way past Washington guard Paul Mulcahy (9) for reverse lay up in the second half of their Pac 12 game at McKale Center, Tucson, Ariz., February 22, 2024.
Washington forward Moses Wood (13) gets a hand on the ball as Arizona guard Jaden Bradley (0) drives into the lane in the second half of their Pac 12 game at McKale Center, Tucson, Ariz., February 22, 2024.
Arizona head coach Tommy Lloyd talks with one of the game officials during a timeout late in the second half against Washington at McKale Center, Tucson, Ariz., February 22, 2024.
Arizona guard Pelle Larsson (3) gets wrapped up by Washington guard Nate Calmese (8) on a drive in the second half of their Pac 12 game at McKale Center, Tucson, Ariz., February 22, 2024.
Arizona forward Keshad Johnson (16) out jumps Washington forward Wilhelm Breidenbach (32), left, and forward Keion Brooks Jr. (1) to collect the offensive rebound in the second half of their Pac 12 game at McKale Center, Tucson, Ariz., February 22, 2024.
Arizona guard Pelle Larsson (3) gestures after nailing a three from the top of the key against Washington in the second half of their Pac 12 game at McKale Center, Tucson, Ariz., February 22, 2024.
Arizona forward Keshad Johnson (16) roars for the crowd after finishing off a fast break dunk against Washington in the second half of their Pac 12 game at McKale Center, Tucson, Ariz., February 22, 2024.
Arizona head coach Tommy Lloyd reacts after the Wildcat bench was assessed a technical foul for coming out on the floor following a basket against Washington in the second half of their Pac 12 game at McKale Center, Tucson, Ariz., February 22, 2024.
Washington head coach Mike Hopkins encourages his Huskies after they make a stand against Arizona in the second half of their Pac 12 game at McKale Center, Tucson, Ariz., February 22, 2024.
Arizona guard Caleb Love (2) jars the ball out of the grip of Washington guard Paul Mulcahy (9) in the first half of their Pac 12 game at McKale Center, Tucson, Ariz., February 22, 2024.
Arizona guard Pelle Larsson (3) fights through the pick from Washington forward Wilhelm Breidenbach (32) to keep contact with forward Moses Wood (13) in the first half of their Pac 12 game at McKale Center, Tucson, Ariz., February 22, 2024.
Arizona forward Keshad Johnson (16) and Washington forward Keion Brooks Jr. (1) leap for a rebound in the second half of their Pac 12 game at McKale Center, Tucson, Ariz., February 22, 2024.
Arizona guard Caleb Love (2), left, and center Oumar Ballo (11) try to drag down a rebound against Washington center Braxton Meah (34) in their Pac 12 game at McKale Center, Tucson, Ariz., February 22, 2024.
Arizona center Oumar Ballo (11) backs in a basket past Washington center Braxton Meah (34) in their Pac 12 game at McKale Center, Tucson, Ariz., February 22, 2024.
Washington forward Keion Brooks Jr. (1), left, picks up a goaltending foul on a shot from Arizona center Oumar Ballo (11) during the second half in their Pac 12 game at McKale Center, Tucson, Ariz., February 22, 2024.
Arizona guard Pelle Larsson (3) goes over the top of Washington forward Moses Wood (13) and guard Paul Mulcahy (9) for rebound in their Pac 12 game at McKale Center, Tucson, Ariz., February 22, 2024.
Arizona guard Kylan Boswell (4) reverses a lay up around Washington forward Wilhelm Breidenbach (32) during the second half in their Pac 12 game at McKale Center, Tucson, Ariz., February 22, 2024.
Arizona guard KJ Lewis (5) scoops his way to a reverse lay up in the second half of their Pac 12 game at McKale Center, Tucson, Ariz., February 22, 2024.
Arizona guard Pelle Larsson (3) jostles with Washington forward Wilhelm Breidenbach (32), left, and forward Moses Wood (13) in their Pac 12 game at McKale Center, Tucson, Ariz., February 22, 2024.
Arizona forward Keshad Johnson (16) throws down a bucket over Washington forward Moses Wood (13) during the second half in their Pac 12 game at McKale Center, Tucson, Ariz., February 22, 2024.
Washington center Braxton Meah (34), left, and forward Moses Wood (13) canβt keep Arizona center Oumar Ballo (11) from pulling in a rebound in their Pac 12 game at McKale Center, Tucson, Ariz., February 22, 2024.
Arizona center Motiejus Krivas (14) gets a clean dunk on Washington forward Wilhelm Breidenbach (32) in their Pac 12 game at McKale Center, Tucson, Ariz., February 22, 2024.
Arizona guard Caleb Love (2) strips Washington guard Koren Johnson (0) trying to head straight up the lane in the first half of their Pac 12 game at McKale Center, Tucson, Ariz., February 22, 2024.
Arizona center Oumar Ballo (11) drops a soft shot over against Washington center Braxton Meah (34) in the first half of their Pac 12 game at McKale Center, Tucson, Ariz., February 22, 2024.
Washington guard Paul Mulcahy (9) crashes into Arizona guard Jaden Bradley (0) on a Wildcat fast break in the first half of their Pac 12 game at McKale Center, Tucson, Ariz., February 22, 2024.
Washington guard Anthony Holland (23) grabs Arizona forward Keshad Johnson (16) in attempt to keep him from a quick run to the bucket in the first half of their Pac 12 game at McKale Center, Tucson, Ariz., February 22, 2024.
Arizona guard Kylan Boswell (4) finds a crowd in the lane as he tries to drive for a score against Washington in the first half of their Pac 12 game at McKale Center, Tucson, Ariz., February 22, 2024.
Arizona guard Pelle Larsson throws down a dunk early against Washington on Saturdayβs game, which started at noon at McKale Center. UA is next in action at ASU on Wednesday night.
