SAN JOSE, Calif. (AP) – Arizona secured their spot in the Final Four for the first time in 25 years after defeating Purdue 79-64 in the NCAA Tournament’s West Region final. The top-seeded Wildcats were led by freshman Koa Peat who scored 20 points in the game.
Coach Tommy Lloyd has brought Arizona back into the championship conversation with a mix of talented freshmen like Peat and seasoned veterans like Jaden Bradley, the Big 12 Player of the Year. The Wildcats have shown their versatility by excelling on offense in their Sweet 16 win against Arkansas and then shutting down Purdue’s efficient offense in the final.
Arizona frustrated Purdue’s key players, limiting their scoring opportunities and holding them to just 38% shooting from the field. A strong second-half performance, including a decisive 16-3 run, helped Arizona overturn a halftime deficit and secure the victory. The Wildcats displayed their dominance with plays like a 3-pointer from Anthony Dell’Orso and a dunk from Peat.
With a 13-game winning streak, Arizona is now set to compete in Indianapolis in the upcoming week for the Final Four.
