Arizona storms Elite Eight
Arizona crushed Arkansas 109-88 to reach its first Elite Eight since 2015 — freshmen Brayden Burries and Koa Peat poured in 21 points apiece in the rout (arizonawildcats.com) (azcentral.com). Arizona now draws No. 2 Purdue in the Elite Eight on Saturday, March 28 at SAP Center in San Jose — oddsmakers list Arizona a slight favorite (azdesertswarm.com) (sportsbettingdime.com).
Arizona became the first team in NCAA Tournament history with six players scoring at least 14 points in a single game, a group that included Ivan Kharchenkov (15), Jaden Bradley (14), Motiejus Krivas (14) and Tobe Awaka (14). (espn.com: ) The Wildcats shot 64.0% from the field (37-of-58) and connected on 5-of-8 from three-point range while converting 30 of 39 free throws. (espn.com: ) Arizona’s victory extended the program’s win streak to 12 games and moved the season record to 35-2, a mark that tied the school record for single-season wins. (espn.com: ) (apnews.com: ) Arkansas guard Billy Richmond III was ejected in the second half after shoving an Arizona player, an incident that preceded a stretch in which Arizona pulled clear. (espn.com: ) The West regional final is scheduled for Saturday, March 28 at the SAP Center in San Jose with tip set for 8:49 p.m. ET, and early market lines opened with Arizona around a 5.5–6.5‑point favorite and a moneyline near -223. (cappertek.com: ) (sportsbettingdime.com: ) (azdesertswarm.com: ) Coach Tommy Lloyd, who had previously fallen short at the Sweet 16 stage multiple times in his NCAA Tournament tenure, finally advanced past that round with this win. (vsin.com: ) (apnews.com: )
