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The Arizona Wildcats broke their Final Four drought Saturday night with an Elite Eight victory over Purdue in the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament.
The Wildcats had not been to the Final Four in 25 years. The last time the Wildcats made it this far was in 2001, when they lost to the Duke Blue Devils in the national championship. Now they are one victory away from getting back there.
Arizona freshman Koa Peat scored 20 points and defeated Purdue, 79-64. He was named Most Outstanding Player in the West Region.
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Arizona forward Koa Peat (10) dunks during the second half of the Elite Eight of the NCAA college basketball tournament against Purdue, Saturday, March 28, 2026, in San Jose, California. (AP Photo/Kelley L. Cox)
“Being an Arizona kid and leading this team to a Final Four is a blessing,” Peat said. “I’m proud of these guys. We worked for this. We’re not done yet.”
The Wildcats’ defense was able to do enough to frustrate Purdue star Braden Smith, who holds the NCAA record for assists. Smith scored 13 points, seven assists, five rebounds and turned the ball over three times.
Oscar Cluff added 14 points and Trey Kaufman-Renn was held to 10 points.
Peat became the sixth freshman to score at least 20 points to help his team win Sweet 16 and Elite Eight matchups.
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Arizona players hold a trophy after beating Purdue in the Elite Eight of the NCAA college basketball tournament, Saturday, March 28, 2026, in San Jose, California. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez)
“They call him Mr. Arizona,” Arizona head coach Tommy Lloyd said. “Koa is special, and I know you guys hear it, but you have to hear it again. Four state championships in the same high school. I didn’t go to a prep school. Four gold medals with USA Basketball. No one in FIBA history has done that. And he helped lead Arizona to a Final Four.”
Arizona moved to 36-2 with the win. The Wildcats’ 36 wins are a single-season record for wins in program history.
Lloyd is in his fifth season as head coach. He replaced Sean Miller ahead of the 2021-22 season. Miller was the third coach to take over after legendary coach Lute Olson resigned.
“Without Lute, without Sean doing what he did for the 12 years he was here, I wouldn’t be able to do what we did today. I completely understand that,” Lloyd said. “Those guys, this is for them too. You know, I have no problem sharing the success of this team with the coaches that came before me.”
Arizona head coach Tommy Lloyd salutes as he cuts down the net after a win over Purdue in the Elite Eight of the NCAA college basketball tournament, Saturday, March 28, 2026, in San Jose, California. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez)
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Arizona will play the winner between Michigan and Tennessee.
