Arizona Wildcats defeat Purdue Boilermakers to advance to Final Four for the first time since 2001

The No. 1 Arizona Wildcats overcame a second half deficit to defeat the No. 2 Purdue Boilermakers 79-64 to advance to the NCAA Tournament Final Four for the first time since 2001! Arizona trailed 38-31 before going on a 16-3 run to regain the lead and return to the Final Four after five straight Elite Eight losses. 

“To take this team to a Final Four is such a blessing. I’m proud of these guys. We worked for this and we’re not done yet,” West Region Most Outstanding Player Koa Peat told the media. Peat compiled a game-best 20 points and seven rebounds to help Arizona move to 36-2 and secure a spot in the national semifinals!

2026 West Region All-Tournament Team

— Braden Smith (Purdue guard)

— Jaden Bradley (Arizona guard)

— Tramon Mark (Texas forward)

— Trey Kaufman-Renn (Purdue forward)

— Koa Peat (Arizona forward)

2026 NCAA Final Four odds

1. Michigan Wolverines (+150)

2. Arizona Wildcats (+180)

3. Illinois Fighting Illini (+450)

4. UConn Huskies (+650)

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