Arizona Wildcats advance to Final Four

Big 12 team reaches NCAA Tournament's final weekend for second straight year

Mar. 29, 2026 at 3:48am

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The 1 seed Arizona Wildcats used a strong second half to defeat the 2 seed Purdue Boilermakers 79-64 in the Elite Eight, earning a spot in the Final Four of the NCAA Tournament. This marks Arizona's first Final Four appearance since 2001 and the seventh time since 2016 that a Big 12 team has reached the final weekend of the tournament.

Why it matters

Arizona's run to the Final Four ends a 25-year drought for the program, which last made it this far in 2001 under legendary coach Lute Olson. The Wildcats' success also continues the Big 12's recent dominance in the NCAA Tournament, with a conference team reaching the Final Four for the second straight year.

The details

After trailing Purdue 38-31 at halftime, Arizona stormed back in the second half and took the lead for good at 44-43 with 14:34 remaining. Freshman Koa Peat led the Wildcats with 20 points, 7 rebounds and 3 assists, and three other Arizona players scored in double figures. The Wildcats dominated numerous statistical categories, including field goal percentage, free throws made, turnovers, fast break points and points in the paint.

  • Arizona last made the Final Four in 2001.
  • This is the second straight year a Big 12 team has reached the Final Four.

The players

Tobe Awaka

Arizona forward who watched confetti come down after the win over Purdue.

Koa Peat

Arizona freshman who led the team with 20 points, 7 rebounds and 3 assists in the Elite Eight victory.

Tommy Lloyd

Arizona's current head coach, who is considered a front-runner to become the next head coach at North Carolina.

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What’s next

Arizona will face the winner of Sunday's Michigan-Duke matchup in the Final Four, with a chance to advance to the national championship game.

The takeaway

Arizona's return to the Final Four after a 25-year drought, combined with the Big 12's continued success in the NCAA Tournament, highlights the strength and depth of college basketball's premier conferences.