Photos: Arizona gets a challenge in 78-63 win over Colorado, Big 12 basketball
The Wildcats get a stern test from their former Pac-12 foes, Colorado, in a Big 12 win, 78-63, Tucson, Ariz., January 25, 2025.
Arizona guard KJ Lewis (5) swats away a shot by Colorado forward Trevor Baskin (6) during the first half in their Big 12 game, Tucson, Ariz., Jan. 25, 2025.
Arizona forward Tobe Awaka snares a rebound between Colorado’s Harrison Carrington, left, and Andrej Jakimovski in their Big 12 game in Tucson on Jan. 25.
Arizona guard Jaden Bradley (0) absorbs the impact of going to the basket through Colorado center Elijah Malone (50) in their Big 12 game, Tucson, Ariz., January 25, 2025.
Arizona forward Henri Veesaar (13) tries to scoop a bucket around Colorado center Elijah Malone (50) in the first half of their Big 12 game in Tucson on Saturday, Jan. 25, 2025.
Arizona guard KJ Lewis (5) gets a forearm to the face from and Colorado forward Sebastian Rancik (7) in their Big 12 game, Tucson, Ariz., January 25, 2025.
Arizona forward Henri Veesaar (13) pays a price for a dunk, getting hit on his shot by Colorado forward Sebastian Rancik (7) in their Big 12 game, Tucson, Ariz., January 25, 2025.
Arizona forward Henri Veesaar (13) draws a blocking call fromColorado forward Sebastian Rancik (7) on his run to the basket, Tucson, Ariz., January 25, 2025.
Arizona forward Henri Veesaar (13) gets jarred by Colorado guard Javon Ruffin (11) trying to secure a defensive rebound in their Big 12 game, Tucson, Ariz., January 25, 2025.
Arizona guard Anthony Dell’Orso (3) gestures after nailing a three in the first half against Colorado in their Big 12 game in Tucson on Jan. 25, 2025.
Colorado head coach Tad Boyle protests a non-call on a Buffalo possession in the second half of their Big 12 game against Arizona at McKale Center on Jan. 25, 2025.
Arizona head coach Tommy Lloyd calls for a sub after one his Wildcat picked up a foul in the second half against Colorado, Tucson, Ariz., January 25, 2025.
Arizona guard Anthony Dell'Orso (3) tries to grab the ball out of the hands of Colorado center Elijah Malone (50) on a long rebound in the second half of their Big 12 game, Tucson, Ariz., January 25, 2025.
Arizona guard KJ Lewis (5) tears the ball out of range of Colorado forward Sebastian Rancik (7) for a steal in the second half of their Big 12 game, Tucson, Ariz., January 25, 2025.
Arizona forward Trey Townsend (4) gets sandwiched between Colorado forward Bangot Dak (8), left, and Colorado guard Harrison Carrington (31) in the second half of their Big 12 game, Tucson, Ariz., January 25, 2025.
Arizona guard KJ Lewis (5) walks away after not getting an and-one call on his basket in the second half against Colorado, Tucson, Ariz., January 25, 2025.
The Arizona staff sports a colorful array of shoes for the “Cats vs. Cancer” game against Colorado at McKale Center on Jan. 25, 2025.
One of the game officials takes a knee before the Arizona game against Colorado, Tucson, Ariz., January 25, 2025.
Arizona guard Caleb Love (1), left, and forward Henri Veesaar (13) dive in to try to tear the ball away from Colorado guard Javon Ruffin (11) in the second half of their Big 12 game, Tucson, Ariz., January 25, 2025.
Arizona guard Caleb Love (1) gets hit as he puts up a running jumper during the first half against Colorado, Tucson, Ariz., Jan. 25, 2025.
Arizona forward Trey Townsend (4) looks for an opening to pass under Colorado center Elijah Malone (50) in the first half of their Big 12 game at McKale on Jan. 25, 2025.
Arizona forward Tobe Awaka gets a dunk past Colorado forward Bangot Dak in the first half on Jan. 25, 2025.
Arizona forward Tobe Awaka (30) fights though a crowd of defenders to put up shot in the first half against Colorado, Tucson, Ariz., January 25, 2025.
Arizona guard KJ Lewis (5) slips in from behind to reject a shot Colorado forward Trevor Baskin (6) in the first half of their Big 12 game, Tucson, Ariz., January 25, 2025.
Kelly Presnell
Photojournalist
Known for running a man-to-man defense that handed Tommy Lloyd’s first Arizona team arguably the worst of its four losses in 2021-22, Colorado Coach Tad Boyle instead ran all zone defense Saturday.