Arizona is playing a non-conference game after Christmas and before starting conference play for the first time under Tommy Lloyd. Lloyd discussed the decision to schedule South Dakota State on Monday with reporters last week.
Arizona hosts South Dakota State on Monday. Without the game against South Dakota State, Arizona would have had 11 days in between its 107-71 win over Bethune-Cookman on December 22 and its Big XII opener at Utah on January 3.
The game against South Dakota State provides an opportunity for Arizona to continue building momentum after 12 consecutive wins to begin the 2025-26 season.