Arizona Reaches First Final Four in 25 Years with Win Over Purdue

Wildcats defeat Boilermakers 79-64 to advance to NCAA Tournament semifinals

Mar. 29, 2026 at 4:33am

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The top-seeded Arizona Wildcats defeated the second-seeded Purdue Boilermakers 79-64 in the West Region final of the NCAA Tournament, earning their first trip to the Final Four in 25 years. Freshman Koa Peat led Arizona with 20 points and was named the region's Most Outstanding Player, while veterans like Jaden Bradley also contributed to the victory. The Wildcats used a strong defensive effort to shut down Purdue's efficient offense, holding the Boilermakers to their second-lowest point total of the season.

Why it matters

Arizona's return to the Final Four is a significant milestone for the program, which had not reached that stage since 2001. Under new head coach Tommy Lloyd, the Wildcats have emerged as a national championship contender, setting a single-season record for wins en route to the semifinals. This run to the Final Four ends a long drought for the storied Arizona basketball program.

The details

Arizona used a balanced offensive attack and stifling defense to defeat Purdue. The Wildcats erased a seven-point halftime deficit with a 16-3 run early in the second half, taking the lead on a 3-pointer from Anthony Dell'Orso. Arizona then maintained control, with Brayden Burries and Ivan Kharchenkov hitting key shots to extend the advantage. Freshman Koa Peat put an exclamation point on the win with a late dunk.

  • Arizona last reached the Final Four in 2001.
  • The Wildcats had lost five straight times in the Elite Eight since their last Final Four appearance.

The players

Koa Peat

A freshman for Arizona who led the team with 20 points and was named the West Region's Most Outstanding Player.

Jaden Bradley

A veteran for Arizona who was named the Big 12 Player of the Year.

Braden Smith

The NCAA record-holder in assists for Purdue.

Trey Kaufman-Renn

A four-year senior for Purdue.

Fletcher Loyer

A four-year senior for Purdue.

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What they’re saying

“Just being a kid from Arizona, to take this team to a Final Four, man, it's a blessing. I'm proud of these guys. We worked for this. We're not done yet.”

— Koa Peat, Freshman, Arizona

“These guys, winning's in their DNA. Like I always say, they're way better players than I am a coach. I'm so proud of them.”

— Tommy Lloyd, Head Coach, Arizona

What’s next

Arizona will face the winner of Sunday's game between Michigan and Tennessee in the national semifinals on Saturday.

The takeaway

Arizona's return to the Final Four after a 25-year drought is a testament to the program's resurgence under new head coach Tommy Lloyd. The Wildcats' balanced attack and stifling defense have made them a national championship contender, and this run to the semifinals will only further cement their status as one of college basketball's elite programs.