Arizona shuts down South Dakota State, completes nonconference play undefeated

The No. 1 Arizona Wildcats wrapped up their undefeated nonconference slate with a 99-71 victory over South Dakota State on Monday.

It is the best start for the Wildcats (13-0) under Tommy Lloyd and the best for the program since 2013-14, when they set a school record by starting 21-0.

Lloyd became the fastest Arizona coach to 125 wins in program history on Monday as it took him just 158 games.

The start to the 2025-26 season is just the fourth time this century the Wildcats won all their nonconference games.

Arizona’s 28-point win over South Dakoka State was the program’s eighth consecutive win by 20+ points, tying the school record set in 1928-29.

Arizona is just one of five teams in the nation to start 13-0 and one of just two teams in the Big 12 (Iowa State).

Arizona’s Koa Peat has career rebounding night with 14 rebounds

Koa Peat led the way with 19 points on 7 of 12 shooting and a season-high 14 rebounds for his second double-double of the season. 16 of Peat’s points came in the first half.

Peat also made his first 3-pointer of the season (now 1-for-7 on the year) as the Wildcats started 5 of 5 from 3, with five different Wildcats hitting from long range. Arizona finished 9 of 23 from deep.

Jaden Bradley also had his first career double-double as he finished with 13 points to go along with a career-high 10 assists.

Dime.@JBsmoovve pic.twitter.com/uFi2uDDdMR

— Arizona Basketball (@ArizonaMBB) December 30, 2025

“I just go out there and play, and the numbers are numbers,” Bradley told reporters postgame. “Definitely like the assists. Like getting my teammates involved and let the rest take care of itself.”

Motiejus Krivas had his second career double-double, tallying 13 points and 11 rebounds.

Six different Wildcats scored in double figures, marking the eighth straight game at least five Arizona players have reached double figures.

Despite leading by as many as 31, Lloyd played just eight-deep until the game’s final few minutes.

Arizona will open conference play with a trip to Utah on Saturday.

“I got recruited by a lot of Big 12 schools, so I know a lot about them,” Peat said of his first time entering Big 12 play. “I know it’s a physical and tough league, every night’s just going to be a dogfight. I’m excited for that.

“That’s what I came to Arizona for was to play on the big stage and play with great teammates … and go into Big 12 (play) excited.”

Related

Peats by Dre: Koa Peat surprises teammates with Beats headphones for ChristmasArizona overcomes sluggish start to roll by Bethune-CookmanRJ Godfrey signs with Arizona, expected to be Wildcats’ starting power forwardCourt rulings grant NCAA athletes from high school class of 2022 another year of eligibilityArizona Wildcats announce 2026-27 men’s basketball nonconference scheduleArizona’s Tommy Lloyd not interested in NBA after UNC interest