Arizona Advances to Elite Eight with Dominant Win Over Arkansas

Top-seeded Wildcats cruise past Razorbacks to reach first regional final since 2015

Mar. 27, 2026 at 5:27am

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The Arizona Wildcats, led by a balanced scoring attack with six players scoring at least 14 points, defeated the Arkansas Razorbacks 109-88 in the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament. Freshman Brayden Burries scored a team-high 23 points as Arizona shot 64% from the field in the first half to build a double-digit lead they would not relinquish. The win sends Arizona to the Elite Eight for the first time since 2015 under coach Tommy Lloyd, who is seeking his first Final Four appearance.

Why it matters

Arizona's victory over Arkansas marks a significant milestone for the program, as they have struggled to get past the Sweet 16 under coach Tommy Lloyd. This win showcases the Wildcats' depth and offensive firepower, which will be crucial as they advance to face Purdue in the Elite Eight with a chance to reach the Final Four for the first time in Lloyd's tenure.

The details

Arizona shot an impressive 64% from the field in the first half, including making 15 of 17 free throws, to build a 54-43 halftime lead. The Wildcats continued to pull away in the second half, at one point leading by 18 points. Freshman Brayden Burries led Arizona with 23 points, while fellow freshmen Koa Peat (21 points) and Ivan Kharchenkov (15 points) also had big games. Arkansas freshman Darius Acuff Jr. scored a game-high 28 points, but the Razorbacks couldn't keep up with Arizona's balanced attack.

  • The game was played on Thursday, March 26, 2026 in San Jose, California.
  • Arizona set a school record with its 35th win of the season, tying a program high for victories in a single campaign.

The players

Tommy Lloyd

The head coach of the Arizona Wildcats, who is seeking his first Final Four appearance in his fifth season leading the program.

Brayden Burries

A freshman guard for Arizona who scored a team-high 23 points in the win over Arkansas.

Darius Acuff Jr.

A talented freshman guard for Arkansas who scored a game-high 28 points in what may be his final college game.

John Calipari

The head coach of the Arkansas Razorbacks, who received a technical foul during the second half of the loss to Arizona.

Steve Kerr

The head coach of the Golden State Warriors and a former star player for the Arizona Wildcats, who was in attendance for the game.

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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

Arizona will play second-seeded Purdue on Saturday night for a spot in the Final Four.

The takeaway

Arizona's dominant victory over Arkansas showcases the Wildcats' depth and offensive firepower, which will be crucial as they advance to face Purdue in the Elite Eight with a chance to reach the Final Four for the first time under coach Tommy Lloyd.