Arizona’s historic offensive night
Arizona pulverized Arkansas 109–88 to reach the Elite Eight — the loss was the largest tournament defeat in John Calipari’s coaching career (youtube.com). Arizona became the first team in NCAA tourney history to post six players with 14+ points, shooting 63% overall and 62% from three while freshmen Braden Burries scored 23 and Jaden Bradley added 14 and 5 assists (youtube.com).
The Sweet 16 was played at SAP Center in San Jose on March 26, 2026, where Arizona improved to 35-2 and advanced to the Elite Eight for the first time since 2015. (arizonawildcats.com) Arizona’s West Regional final opponent is No. 2 Purdue, with the Elite Eight matchup scheduled for March 28 at 5:49 p.m. MST on TBS/truTV. (arizonawildcats.com) The Wildcats will carry a 12-game winning streak into that regional final after consecutive double-digit NCAA Tournament wins. (arizonawildcats.com) Arkansas freshman Darius Acuff Jr. led the Razorbacks with 28 points and played 37 minutes in the Sweet 16 defeat. (espn.com) Arkansas guard Billy Richmond III was ejected late in the game after shoving an Arizona player, forcing a bench and rotation change for the Razorbacks down the stretch. (espn.com) Arizona coach Tommy Lloyd has compiled a record-setting start to his tenure—147 wins in his first five seasons—and is now chasing his first Final Four appearance. (en.wikipedia.org)
