Arizona Must Crush #25 Topseed to Secure Sweet 16 Chance!
KANSAS CITY, MO - MARCH 14: Houston Cougars guard Kingston Flemings (4) and Arizona Wildcats forward Tobe Awaka (30) and guard Anthony Dell'Orso (3) go after a loose ball during a Big 12 Tournament championship game between the Houston Cougars and the Arizona Wildcats on March 14, 2026 at T-Mobile Center in Kansas City, MO. (Photo by Scott Sewell/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images The journey through the NCAA Tournament is set to begin on Friday for Arizona. It will face Long Island University in the first round in San Diego.
It’s the fifth straight year Arizona has earned a spot in the tournament, and all five appearances have come in the Tommy Lloyd era. The Wildcats go into the tournament with a record of 32-2 and with the Big 12 regular season and tournament championships under their belt. Throughout many points this season, Arizona has shown an ability to win in many ways.
Here are three things the Wildcats are going to need to do to be successful in the NCAA tourney, as well as three things it can’t do. Do These: Dominate the paint The main way Arizona has been able to win its games this season is the ability to absolutely own the paint. Tobe Awaka has made a living down low with his footwork and ability to pound his way to the rim.
He averages 9. 4 points per game. Motiejus Krivas has also proven to be efficient down low.
His hook shot gives him more range compared to Awaka but both make their livings in the paint. Now add in Koa Peat and that’s a 3-headed monster in the frontcourt. His fadeaway jumper keeps his defenders honest, otherwise it’s an easy path to the rim for Peat.
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