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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This episode of Locked On Wildcats covers Arizona sports with an emphasis on basketball and football. Leif Thulin discusses why Arizona basketball should win the Big 12 this year, citing their unique winning formula, balance of offense and defense, and outstanding size. The episode includes a "holiday wish list" outlining areas for improvement for Arizona basketball in conference play, specifically reducing turnovers, achieving consistent outside shooting from the wings, and finding an effective balance between leading scorers.

The show then previews Arizona’s upcoming Holiday Bowl matchup against SMU, analyzing key storylines such as quarterback play, defensive strengths, turnover margins, and potential outcomes. Leif explores Arizona football’s impressive rise, highlighting the program’s retention of both coaches and players, its strong culture, strategic hiring of a new general manager, and its financial position within the Big 12.

[00:00:02] Arizona basketball and football outlook

[00:04:02] Arizona's BBALL Wishlist

[00:12:10] Arizona football bowl aspirations

[00:18:12] Arizona vs SMU preview

[00:21:06] Staff and player retention

[00:27:01] Quarterback and team potential

Arizona Wildcats, Big 12, college basketball, college football, Arizona basketball, Arizona football, Brent Brennan, SMU, Holiday Bowl, turnovers, team retention, coaching staff, sports podcast, player development

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This episode of Locked On Wildcats breaks down the analytically proven recipe to win championships in college basketball, focusing especially on Arizona's fit with the winning formula. Leif Thulin explains that size is the key factor—more than pace or three-point shooting—in building a championship contender. The discussion includes a detailed analysis of Arizona's strengths in rebounding, defense, and possession advantage, referencing recent top teams and champions to illustrate the model. The episode also features a recap of Arizona's win over Bethune Cookman, key takeaways from that game, and an assessment of which teams nationwide fit the championship blueprint.

00:01:08 – Size discussion in CBB

00:04:58 – Arizona's defense

00:10:18 – Top teams all have what in common?

00:12:22 – Game recap vs Bethune Cookman

00:17:11 – Turnover issues

00:24:44 – 2025-26 Championship contenders

Arizona Wildcats, college basketball, size, rebounding, defense, turnovers, Bethune Cookman, championship formula, top teams

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Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Football season is around the corner, visit the FanDuel App today and start planning your futures bets now.

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

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Leif Thulin reacts to Arizona's win over Bethune Cookman.

Arizona had 7 players score in double digits led by Brayden Burries' 20 points.

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Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Football season is around the corner, visit the FanDuel App today and start planning your futures bets now.

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Leif Thulin, host of Locked On Wildcats, reviews Arizona's performance in their dominant win over San Diego State, despite it being their worst game of the season offensively. He emphasizes the Wildcats’ superb defense, depth, and ability to survive off-nights from star players. Leif also discusses key stats and takeaways from the game, analyzes Arizona’s strengths and areas for improvement, and looks ahead to the upcoming matchup with Bethune Cookman, predicting a comfortable victory. The episode includes Leif’s detailed keys for Arizona's bounce-back and expectations for individual players, especially highlighting the need for Koa Peat to be featured prominently. The recording features college basketball analysis, game previews, and postgame breakdowns, along with mentions of sponsors and information on how listeners can engage with the show.

[00:01:09] – First half struggles vs San Diego State

[00:02:14] – Defense Analysis

[00:05:47] – Rebounding advantage

[00:07:54] – Depth discussed

[00:14:47] – Limiting opponent threes

[00:20:00] – KenPom ranking update

[00:24:09] – Keys for Bethune Cookman game

Arizona Wildcats, San Diego State, Bethune Cookman, college basketball, defense, rebounding, KenPom, depth, turnovers, game preview, Leaf Tuline, offensive struggles, player analysis

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Gametime
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FanDuel
Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Football season is around the corner, visit the FanDuel App today and start planning your futures bets now.

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

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Leif Thulin reacts to the defensively oriented battle between the Wildcats and Aztecs where the Wildcats locked up the Aztecs in the 2nd half.

Arizona struggled early but blew away SDSU late winning by 23.

5 Wildcats scored 10 or more with no one exceeding 11. Awaka had 15 rebounds.

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

FanDuel
Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Football season is around the corner, visit the FanDuel App today and start planning your futures bets now.

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In this episode of Locked On Wildcats, Leif Thulin previews the highly anticipated matchup between the Arizona Wildcats and San Diego State Aztecs. He analyzes why Arizona is poised to not only beat San Diego State at their own game but also outrun them, breaking down team strengths, statistical insights, and key matchups. Leif discusses a top recruiting target, Caleb Holt, and what Arizona’s pitch means for the program’s future. The episode also highlights Arizona’s dominance on the glass, defensive advantages, and the importance of forcing turnovers and controlling tempo. Leif provides his keys to the game, predicts standout performers, and gives a final score prediction, expecting a comfortable Wildcats victory. Listeners are invited to share their predictions and tune in for a postgame recap.

[00:02:20] – Recruiting update on Caleb Holt

[00:05:12] – Team comparison

[00:12:01] – Rebounding key

[00:17:10] – Turnovers focus

[00:24:07] – Final score prediction

Arizona Wildcats, San Diego State, College Basketball, Game Preview, Recruiting, KenPom, Defensive Analysis, Offensive Rebounding, Turnovers, Score Prediction, Tommy Lloyd, Caleb Holt, Locked On Wildcats

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https://lockedonwildcats.supercast.com

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Wayfair
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Aura Frames
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Gametime
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FanDuel
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FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

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Utah’s Kyle Whittingham emerges as a likely candidate to take over at Michigan, setting off one of the most unexpected coaching carousel moves in recent college football history. Can Whittingham’s approach and legacy translate to success in Ann Arbor, and would his staff follow him or remain tied to Morgan Scalley? The crew breaks down the drama, and questions abound over Michigan’s future roster, leadership, and the impact on Big 12 dynamics.

BYU fans are fired up as Notre Dame is accused of dodging the Cougars in bowl matchups, sparking talk about underdog narratives and college football prestige. Deion Sanders’ transformative effect on Colorado—on and off the field—is spotlighted, alongside concerns about his longevity and succession plans with rising assistant Brennan Marion. Plus, the panel debates Texas high school football recruiting, scandals, and which coaches truly fit Michigan’s high-pressure program. Will Sanders build a lasting legacy in Boulder, or is another seismic shift on the horizon?

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