Arizona Topples LIU in Opening Round of NCAA Tournament SAN DIEGO — The top-seeded Arizona Wildcats secured a dominant victory in their NCAA Tournament opener, defeating No. 16 seed LIU 92–58 on Friday at Viejas Arena. The Wildcats controlled the game from start to finish, using their depth and offensive efficiency to advance to the second round, where they will face No. 9 seed Utah State. Arizona’s performance was marked by a strong first half, during which they shot 57.6% from the field and hit 6 of 10 three-pointers to build a 53–29 lead at halftime. Freshman guard Brayden Burries was a key contributor, scoring 18 points on 4-of-5 shooting from beyond the arc. His early scoring helped Arizona establish a comfortable lead. Ivan Kharchenkov added 14 points and 10 rebounds for a double-double, while Koa Peat chipped in 15 points and seven rebounds. Kharchenkov’s double-double marked his second such performance of the season, with the other coming in a regular-season game against Florida on November 3, 2025. Arizona’s interior dominance was also evident, as center Motiejus Krivas recorded nine points, seven rebounds, and four blocks. The Wildcats’ depth proved critical, as 10 players scored and the bench contributed 29 points. Arizona outrebounded LIU 52–31 and scored 22 second-chance points, while holding the Sharks to just 32.4% shooting overall. Jaden Bradley, who finished with seven points, five rebounds, and four steals, played a pivotal role in directing the offense and applying defensive pressure. His efforts forced LIU into 15 turnovers, further disrupting the Sharks’ rhythm. Arizona’s largest lead reached 38 points in the second half before head coach Tommy Lloyd substituted heavily.#arizona_wildcats #liu #viejas_arena #brayden_burries #ivan_kharchenkov
Arizona Wildcats Dominate Long Island in NCAA Tournament Opener The top-seeded Arizona Wildcats secured an emphatic 92-58 victory over the Long Island University Sharks in their NCAA Tournament opener, showcasing their dominance with a balanced attack and stifling defense. The game, played at Viejas Arena in San Diego, marked the start of Arizona’s quest for a national title, with the Wildcats quickly asserting their superiority over the underdog Sharks. Arizona’s offensive firepower was on full display as Brayden Burries poured in 18 points, hitting four 3-pointers, while Koa Peat added 15 to lead the charge. The Wildcats’ depth was evident, with six players scoring at least eight points, including Jaden Bradley, who, despite scoring just seven points, emphasized the team’s focus on execution. “Coach talked about punching them first, hitting them first,” Bradley said, reflecting the Wildcats’ aggressive approach. The team’s efficiency was staggering, shooting 57% from the field in the first half and maintaining that rhythm throughout the game. Defensively, Arizona’s pressure forced Long Island into turnovers and limited their scoring opportunities. The Wildcats led by 27 points at halftime and never looked back, with the Sharks struggling to keep up. Arizona’s ability to control the tempo was key, as the team committed only three fouls in the first half and held the Sharks to just one free throw until the second half. “We didn’t think of it as a mismatch,” Arizona coach Tommy Lloyd said. “I make sure our players respect our opponents, and that’s why we came out ready to win.” Long Island, led by Mason Porter-Brown’s 15 points and Greg Gordon’s 12, fought valiantly but couldn’t overcome the depth and talent of the Wildcats.#arizona_wildcats #long_island_university #brayden_burries #koas_peat #tommyle_lloyd
This Houston Cougar's Growth Has Captured Kelvin Sampson's Attention The Houston Cougars have emerged as one of college basketball’s most formidable teams in recent years, blending seasoned veterans with emerging talent under the guidance of head coach Kelvin Sampson since his arrival in 2014. Despite falling short of a national championship in the previous season against the Florida Gators, the program has continued to attract young talent, with freshman guard Kingston Flemings leading the way by setting the school’s freshman scoring record. However, another underclassman has recently caught Sampson’s eye in a significant way during the 2025-26 season. Sophomore guard Mercy Miller, who played a key role on the team that suffered a devastating loss to the Gators in the national championship, has shown remarkable growth that has not gone unnoticed. While Miller wasn’t an everyday starter like Flemings or Emanuel Sharp, his development has been particularly striking. A standout moment came during the Big 12 Championship, where he scored 13 points against the Arizona Wildcats, showcasing his increasing impact on the court. Sampson emphasized how Miller’s progress has been both tangible and meaningful, noting that the player’s dedication and work ethic have set him apart. “I don’t think we have anybody in our program that has improved over the last year more than Mercy,” Sampson said. “And I think it means more when you earn it. It means that you’ve had to make some changes.” The coach highlighted that Miller’s growth extends beyond physical skills, reflecting a deeper shift in mindset and approach to the game. Sampson elaborated on how Miller’s development has been a mental transformation, particularly in adapting to the complexities of five-on-five play.#houston_cougars #kelvin_sampson #arizona_wildcats #mercy_miller #kingston_flemings
Men's March Madness 2026: Ranking the remaining 32 teams The NCAA tournament’s round of 32 has set the stage for a mix of powerhouses and underdogs, with teams navigating a complex landscape of injuries, matchups, and momentum. The first round saw top seeds dominate, but the second round promises unpredictability as key players’ availability remains uncertain. With the tournament’s bracket shaping up, here’s a breakdown of the remaining teams based on their performance and potential. Arizona Wildcats (No. 1, West) The Wildcats entered the tournament as a dominant force, showcasing their balanced attack in a 92-58 win over Long Island. Despite Jaden Bradley’s quiet game with just seven points, the team’s depth shone through, with Brayden Burries and Koa Peat each scoring 18 and 15 points respectively. Arizona’s 39% shooting from beyond the arc during their 10-game winning streak highlights their offensive versatility. Their next challenge will be against Utah State, a matchup that could test their ability to sustain high-level play. Duke Blue Devils (No. 1, East) Duke’s first-round victory over Siena was marred by injuries, as Patrick Ngongba II’s absence left the team struggling to contain the 16-seed. Despite trailing by double digits at halftime, Cameron Boozer led the charge with 13-of-14 free throws and a stifling defense that held Siena to 8-of-34 shooting in the second half. The Blue Devils’ elite defense, which ranked second in adjusted efficiency, remains a key asset, though their path to the Final Four will depend on the return of Ngongba and the performance of their depth. Florida Gators (No. 1, South) Florida’s 114-55 dismantling of Prairie View A&M underscored their dominance, with a 39-point halftime lead tying for the second-largest in tournament history.#duke_blue_devils #michigan_wolverines #florida_gators #arizona_wildcats #men_s_march_madness_2026
UCF's Bol has to be helped to locker room, Knights fall to Arizona at Big 12 Tournament UCF center John Bol collapsed to the floor clutching his chest in the second half and was assisted off the court, leading to a 81-59 loss to the Arizona Wildcats in the Big 12 Tournament quarterfinals on Thursday. The incident occurred after a collision with Arizona’s Tobe Awaka, prompting a foul call and a stoppage in play. Bol dropped to the floor in the corner of the court, and UCF staff members spent several minutes with him before helping him walk unsteadily to the locker room. He did not return to the game, and no further details about his condition were disclosed. UCF will await its NCAA Tournament fate until Sunday’s selection show, which begins at 6 p.m. The Knights, with five Quad 1 victories including wins over ranked Kansas, Texas Tech, and BYU during the regular season, are seeking their first NCAA Tournament berth since 2019. The team’s roster from that year included guard B.J. Taylor, center Tacko Fall, and forward Aubrey Dawkins. Arizona’s victory was highlighted by Brayden Burries’ 21 points, Awaka’s 12 points and 12 rebounds, and a dominant performance from the second-ranked Wildcats. Koa Peat added 12 points for the No. 1-seeded team, which will face No. 7 Iowa State in the conference championship game after a seven-game winning streak. Iowa State, which defeated No. 16 Texas Tech in the quarterfinals, will be the opponent. UCF’s efforts were led by guard Themus Fulks with 14 points and forward Jordan Burks with 10. Bol, who contributed 13 points and eight rebounds in an overtime win over Cincinnati in the second round, had five points and six rebounds in 17 minutes against Arizona before leaving the game with about 12 minutes remaining.#arizona_wildcats #tobe_awaka #ucf #john_bol #brayden_burries
Arizona Wildcats Set for NCAA Tournament: Key Strategies and Pitfalls Arizona’s men’s basketball team is preparing for its fifth consecutive NCAA Tournament appearance, a streak that has continued under coach Tommy Lloyd. Entering the tournament with a 32-2 record, the Wildcats have dominated the Big 12 regular season and tournament, setting the stage for a deep run in March Madness. With their first-round matchup against Long Island University in San Diego, the team must balance its strengths while avoiding critical mistakes to advance further. A cornerstone of Arizona’s success has been its ability to control the paint. Tobe Awaka, Motiejus Krivas, and Koa Peat form a formidable frontcourt trio, each bringing unique skills to the low post. Awaka’s footwork and finishing ability, Krivas’ efficient hook shots, and Peat’s fadeaway jumper create multiple threats for defenders. This dominance forces opponents to adjust their strategies, often leaving the guards open to exploit the perimeter. Maintaining this paint presence will be vital, as few teams have matched Arizona’s efficiency in the paint this season. The Wildcats’ three-point shooting, while not elite, has been effective when executed strategically. Arizona shoots 36% from beyond the arc, but the quality of their shots matters more than quantity. The offense prioritizes open looks, often funneling the ball to the interior before distributing to perimeter threats. This approach has led to timely three-pointers in critical moments, a trait that could define their tournament success. However, consistency in shooting will be tested against tougher competition. Staying out of foul trouble is another priority, particularly for the big men. Four Wildcats have fouled out this season, including Awaka, Krivas, Peat, and Brayden Burries.#arizona_wildcats #tommy_lloyd #tobe_awaka #motiejus_krivas #koapat
Arizona’s Lani Cornfield named Big 12 Women’s Basketball Honorable Mention The Arizona Wildcats did not have any players selected to the preseason All-Big 12 team for women’s basketball. However, graduate student and starting point guard Lani Cornfield earned recognition as an honorable mention after the season, highlighting her contributions to the team. Cornfield ranked second in the Big 12 in assists per game with an average of 6.9, placing her sixth nationally. Her performance remained consistent during conference play, where she averaged 6.2 assists per game, the second-highest total among players facing their own league opponents. In terms of efficiency, Cornfield ranked among the top 50 players in the nation based on her assist-to-turnover ratio. She posted a 1.94 assist per turnover rate for the season, which placed her 50th in Division I. While her ratio dipped to 1.64 in league play, it still ranked seventh nationally. Defensively, Cornfield made a significant impact, recording 2.6 steals per game overall, which ranked 48th in the country. Her performance against Big 12 opponents was even more impressive, as she averaged 2.5 steals per game, securing second place among Division I players facing their own conference. Cornfield also stepped up as a scorer after leading contributor Micky Perdue was sidelined for the season four games into Big 12 play. She averaged 14.4 points per game both overall and in conference action, placing her in the top 225 nationally and 17th among players facing their own league opponents. Her shooting efficiency reflected her all-around impact. Cornfield shot 44.5 percent from the field overall but struggled from beyond the arc, hitting just 19 percent of her three-point attempts. She maintained a strong free-throw accuracy, converting 81.9 percent of her attempts.#big_12 #arizona_wildcats #lani_cornfield #women_s_basketball #assists_per_game
