Arizona Men’s Basketball Advances to First Final Four Since 2001

For the first time in the tournament, Arizona trailed in a game. 

Purdue held a seven-point lead at halftime but Arizona outscored the Boilermakers by 25 in the second half to take this one 79-64. 

It was the first time Arizona has advanced to the Final Four since 2001. 

Koa Peat led the Wildcats with 20 points while Ivan Kharchenkov, Brayden Burries and Jayden Bradley hit double-digit scoring as well. 

In postgame, head coach Tommy Lloyd gave a nod to Arizona coaching legend Lute Olson. 

“I know this — There’s a good-looking guy with white hair looking down on us right now that’s happy!”

Tommy Lloyd pays his respects to the legendary Lute Olson. pic.twitter.com/lkWbzpOPhu

— CBS Sports College Basketball 🏀 (@CBSSportsCBB) March 29, 2026

Arizona will play the winner of Tennessee and Michigan in the next round.