Arizona Dominates LIU in NCAA Tournament First Round Arizona secured a decisive victory over LIU in the NCAA Tournament first round on March 20, 2026, with the final score reflecting a commanding performance. The Wildcats, ranked No. 1, never allowed their opponents to take the lead, showcasing their dominance throughout the game. The LIU Sharks, seeded No. 16, faced an uphill battle as Arizona’s offensive efficiency and defensive intensity proved insurmountable. Arizona’s Ivan Kharchenkov led the charge with a double-double performance, tallying 14 points and 10 rebounds while contributing two assists. Brayden Burries added 18 points, including four three-pointers, to bolster Arizona’s scoring attack. LIU’s Jamal Fuller and Mason Porter-Brown contributed 11 and 15 points respectively, but their efforts were overshadowed by Arizona’s relentless play. The game’s betting lines highlighted Arizona’s overwhelming advantage. The Wildcats were required to win by 31 points or more to cover the spread, a target they easily surpassed. The over/under for total points was set at 147.5, and the teams combined for 150 points, giving bettors who took the over a clear win. Arizona’s victory at -100000 odds meant a $100,000 bet would yield a total return of $100,100. Key moments in the game underscored Arizona’s dominance. In the first half, the Wildcats executed a 15-4 run over 4 minutes and 34 seconds, extending their lead to 15-6. A subsequent 20-5 surge over 6 minutes and 52 seconds pushed Arizona to a 47-23 advantage. In the second half, Arizona maintained control with a 12-4 run early in the second period, widening the gap to 61-32. Despite a brief 12-4 run by LIU later in the game, Arizona’s final 10-0 stretch over 3 minutes and 33 seconds sealed their fate, leaving the Sharks trailing 78-47 at that point.#arizona #liu #brayden_burries #ivan_kharchenkov #jamal_fuller
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 Men's Basketball Earns 1-Seed in 2026 NCAA Tournament The 2026 NCAA Men’s Basketball Championship bracket was officially released on Sunday, and the University of Arizona Wildcats secured a 1-seed in the West Region. This marks the eighth time in program history that Arizona has been selected as a top seed, adding to their 40th overall appearance in the NCAA Tournament—a total that ranks seventh in NCAA history. The Wildcats will open their tournament run on March 20 at 10:35 a.m. MST on TNT, facing No. 16 seed LIU at Viejas Arena in San Diego, Calif. The broadcast will feature analysts Kevin Harlan, Robbie Hummel, Stan VanGundy, and Lauren Shehadi. Arizona’s selection as a 1-seed comes during the fifth season under head coach Tommy Lloyd, continuing a streak of NCAA Tournament appearances for the program. This is the second time Lloyd has guided the Wildcats to a 1-seed, following their 2022 tournament run. The team’s first-round matchup in San Diego is significant, as Arizona has previously advanced in the tournament from the venue twice. In 2022, the top-seeded Wildcats defeated Wright State before overcoming 9-seed TCU in an overtime victory. The 2013-14 team also made an impression in San Diego, sweeping Weber State and Gonzaga in the first two rounds. The selection highlights Arizona’s consistent performance in the NCAA Tournament, with the program now tied for seventh in all-time appearances. The 1-seed status underscores the team’s strength, as they will face a challenging 16th-seeded LIU squad. The game will be broadcast on TNT, providing national exposure for the Wildcats’ opening round contest. Tickets for the event are available through the provided link, allowing fans to support the team in San Diego.#tnt #tommy_lloyd #university_of_arizona_wildcats #viejasc_arena #liu
