SAN JOSE — Depth made the difference as Arizona defeated Arkansas 109-88 in the Sweet 16 on Thursday.
Arguably the deepest and most dominant team in the country, the Wildcats had six players score in double figures to book their first trip to the Elite Eight under Tommy Lloyd and first since 2015.
It marked the first time since March 23, 1997 vs. Providence that Arizona had six players score in double figures in an NCAA Tournament game.
The rout was also Arizona’s 18th win by at least 20 points this season, setting a new mark for the most in the country.
Brayden Burries resumed his impressive run in the NCAA Tournament and led the way with 23 points, continuing to show his ability as a three-level scorer. Burries went 7 of 11 (63.6%) from the field and 2 of 4 (50%) from 3.
AND ONEEEEEEEEpic.twitter.com/NXDorxOSfY
— Arizona Basketball (@ArizonaMBB) March 27, 2026
Koa Peat added 21 points on 8 of 11 (72.7%) shooting, while Ivan Kharchenkov and Motiejus Krivas tallied 15 and 14 points, respectively. Tobe Awaka added 14 points off the bench, and Awaka became the sixth Arizona player to reach double figures, and he did so with more than nine minutes left.
Arkansas’ Darius Acuff Jr. did everything he possibly could to keep Arkansas in the game, a common theme throughout Arkansas’ run during the NCAA Tournament, but the Razorbacks did not get much elsewhere.
Acuff, who entered tied for fourth in the country in scoring, averaging 23.3 points per game, finished with 28 points on 8 of 19 shooting (42.1%)
Billy Richmond III added 13 points for the Razorbacks but was ejected with 7:14 to play after he shoved Kharchenkov to the ground and the ruling was upgraded to a flagrant 2. Nick Pringle fouled out with 7:00 left and was very much a non-factor in his return from a hamstring injury. He finished with six points.
Arkansas forward Malique Ewin picked up two early fouls, and was charged his third foul with 57 seconds left in the first half, severely restricting his physicality and aggression.
The Wildcats took full advantage of Arkansas’ defensive deficiencies (200th in the country in defensive efficiency and 325th in points per game) and had one of their best shooting performances of the season. Arizona shot 37 of 58 (64%) from the field, its second best mark on the season.
While flashing its balanced attack, Arizona repeatedly went to its bread and butter — scoring in the paint and getting to the foul line, and it was as effective as it’s been all season.
Arizona, who entered fifth in the country in points in the paint per game at 41.9, finished with 60 points in the paint, and was able to get nearly anything it wanted at the rim.
RELATED STORIES
AD: Arizona wants Tommy Lloyd to retire a Wildcat, contract discussions continue
Arizona's Motiejus Krivas — from slow-burn prospect to unique two-way talent
The Wildcats, who lead the country in free throw attempts (998), shot 30 of 39 (76.9%) at the line, a much improved mark after shooting 66.7% and 69.2% at the line in the first two rounds, respectively.
Arizona got in the bonus at the 8:35 mark in the first half en route to setting single-season program records for free throw attempts and free throw makes (730).
The Wildcats’ 54 points in the first half were tied for the second-most in the first half of an NCAA Tournament game in program history. Arizona also became the first team to score at least 50 points before halftime in multiple games within the same NCAA Tournament since 2017.
Next up, Arizona will have the opportunity to reach its first Final Four since 2001 when it plays No. 2 Purdue at 5:49 p.m. on Saturday in San Jose.
Follow @veenstra_david
Hence then, the article about no 1 arizona uses depth to defeat no 4 arkansas in sweet 16 was published today ( ) and is available on Arizona sports ( Middle East ) The editorial team at PressBee has edited and verified it, and it may have been modified, fully republished, or quoted. You can read and follow the updates of this news or article from its original source.
Read More Details
Finally We wish PressBee provided you with enough information of ( No. 1 Arizona uses depth to defeat No. 4 Arkansas in Sweet 16 )
Also on site :