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The Arizona Wildcats ended their Final Four drought Saturday night with an Elite Eight victory over Purdue in the NCAA men’s basketball tournament.
The Wildcats had gone 25 years without making the Final Four. The last time the Wildcats made it this far was in 2001, when they lost to the Duke Blue Devils in the national championship. They are now one victory away from getting back there.
Arizona freshman Koa Peat scored 20 points in beating Purdue, 79-64. He was named West Region MVP.
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Arizona forward Koa Peat (10) dunks during the second half of the NCAA Elite Eight college basketball tournament against Purdue, Saturday, March 28, 2026, in San Jose, California. (AP Photo/Kelley L Cox)
“Being an Arizona kid, taking this team to the Final Four, man, it’s a blessing,” Peat said. “I’m proud of these guys. We’ve worked for this. We’re not done yet.”
The Wildcats’ defense was able to do enough to frustrate Purdue star Braden Smith, the NCAA assist record holder. Smith had 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 the Sweet 16 and Elite Eight matchups.
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Arizona players hold a trophy after a victory 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)
“They call him Mr. Arizona,” Arizona head coach Tommy Lloyd said. “Koa is special, and I know you hear it, but you need to hear it again. Four state championships at the same high school. I didn’t go to a prep school. Four gold medals with USA Basketball. No one in FIBA history has ever done that. And helped lead Arizona to the Final Four.”
Arizona improved to 36-2 with the win. The Wildcats’ 36 victories are a single-season winning record in program history.
Lloyd is in his fifth season as head coach. He took over from 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 totally understand that,” Lloyd said. “These guys, it’s 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 waves as he cuts down the net after a victory 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.
