Arizona Holds Off Utah State's Surge to Reach 3rd Straight Sweet 16

Wildcats advance to face Arkansas in the West Regional semifinals

Mar. 23, 2026 at 8:35am

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The top-seeded Arizona Wildcats held off a late surge from the No. 9 seed Utah State Aggies to win 78-66 and advance to their third consecutive Sweet 16 in the NCAA Tournament. Jaden Bradley scored 18 points, including 12 in the second half, to lead Arizona, while Motiejus Krivas added a double-double with 11 points and 14 rebounds. Utah State made a late push, cutting the deficit to four points multiple times, but couldn't fully close the gap as Arizona hit key shots down the stretch.

Why it matters

Arizona's victory extends their impressive NCAA Tournament run, as they reach the Sweet 16 for the third straight year. The Wildcats are looking to make their first Elite Eight appearance since 2015. For Utah State, the loss ends a strong season in which they won the Mountain West regular season title and earned a No. 9 seed in the Big Dance.

The details

Arizona looked poised to pull away early in the second half, going on a 9-0 run to open up an 18-point lead. But Utah State responded with a 21-7 stretch, fueled by an aggressive full-court trap defense that forced the Wildcats into 8 second-half turnovers. The Aggies pulled within 4 points multiple times, but couldn't fully close the gap. Krivas was key for Arizona, setting up 3 straight baskets after their scoring drought to stop the bleeding. Bradley then scored 6 straight points to help the Wildcats hold on for the victory.

  • Arizona and Utah State played in the NCAA Tournament second-round game on Sunday, March 23, 2026.
  • Arizona advances to the Sweet 16, where they will face Arkansas on Thursday in San Jose, California.

The players

Jaden Bradley

The Big 12 Player of the Year scored 18 points, including 12 in the second half, to lead Arizona.

Motiejus Krivas

The 7-foot-2 center had a double-double with 11 points and 14 rebounds, 9 of which came on the offensive glass, to help Arizona stop Utah State's comeback.

Drake Allen

The Utah State guard connected on a pair of big 3-pointers as part of his 11 points in the game.

MJ Collins Jr.

The Utah State guard scored 12 points, including a 3-pointer that pulled the Aggies within 6 points late.

Brayden Burries

The Arizona guard hit a key fadeaway 3-pointer late to help the Wildcats hold off Utah State's comeback attempt.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.