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Finally! Arizona blitzes Purdue in second half, reaches first Final Four since 2001
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- Finally! Arizona blitzes Purdue in second half, reaches first Final Four since 2001
SAN JOSE, CA — Arizona's drought is over.
The No. 1 seeded Wildcats continued their March Madness run with a 79-64 comeback win over No. 2 seed Purdue in the Elite Eight, advancing to its first Final Four in 25 years.
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It was a back-and-forth opening to the game with both sides trading punches, but Purdue jumped ahead thanks to a run just before halftime to take a seven-point lead, the first time the Wildcats had trailed in the NCAA Tournament.
In-depth: How Arizona players' halftime talk ended 25 years of March Madness heartbreak
While it sounded the alarms of the heavy Arizona presence and brought up trauma of March past, it wasn't a position that scared these 'Cats. This season, they were 5-0 when trailing at halftime.
Make it 6-0.
Arizona Wildcats forward Ivan Kharchenkov (8) reacts in the first half against the LIU Sharks during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Viejas Arena.
(Denis Poroy-Imagn Images)
Arizona Wildcats center Motiejus Krivas (13) and guard Brayden Burries (5) and forward Tobe Awaka (30) react with the bench in the second half against the LIU Sharks during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Viejas Arena.
(Denis Poroy, Denis Poroy-Imagn Images)
Arizona Wildcats forward Tobe Awaka (30) dunks against the Long Island University Sharks during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Viejas Arena.
(Kirby Lee, Kirby Lee-Imagn Images)
Brayden Burries #5 of the Arizona Wildcats reacts during the first half against the Long Island University Sharks in the first round of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Viejas Arena at San Diego State University on March 20, 2026 in San Diego, California.
(Sean M. Haffey, Getty Images)
Shadrak Lasu #22 of the Long Island University Sharks defends against Motiejus Krivas #13 of the Arizona Wildcats during the second half in the first round of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Viejas Arena at San Diego State University on March 20, 2026 in San Diego, California.
(Sean M. Haffey, Getty Images)
Koa Peat #10 of the Arizona Wildcats shoots the ball against Mason Porter-Brown #6 of the Long Island University Sharks during the second half in the first round of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Viejas Arena at San Diego State University on March 20, 2026 in San Diego, California.
(Sean M. Haffey, Getty Images)
Ivan Kharchenkov #8 of the Arizona Wildcats rebounds the ball in front of teammates Koa Peat #10 and Tobe Awaka #30 during the first half against the Utah State Aggies in the second round of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Viejas Arena at San Diego State University on March 22, 2026 in San Diego, California.
(Sean M. Haffey, Getty Images)
Koa Peat #10 of the Arizona Wildcats speaks with teammates during the first half against the Utah State Aggies in the second round of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Viejas Arena at San Diego State University on March 22, 2026 in San Diego, California.
(Sean M. Haffey, Getty Images)
Ivan Kharchenkov #8 of the Arizona Wildcats reacts during the second half against the Utah State Aggies in the second round of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Viejas Arena at San Diego State University on March 22, 2026 in San Diego, California.
(Sean M. Haffey, Getty Images)
Arizona Wildcats forward Ivan Kharchenkov (8) shoots against the Utah State Aggies in the second half during a second round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Viejas Arena.
(Kirby Lee-Imagn Images)
Arizona Wildcats forward Koa Peat (10) celebrates with guard Brayden Burries (5) after defeating the Utah State Aggies during a second round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Viejas Arena.
(Denis Poroy, Denis Poroy-Imagn Images)
Arizona Wildcats guard Brayden Burries (5) celebrates after defeating the Utah State Aggies during a second round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Viejas Arena.
(Kirby Lee-Imagn Images)
Koa Peat #10 of the Arizona Wildcats dunks the ball against the Arkansas Razorbacks during the second half in the Sweet Sixteen of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at SAP Center on March 26, 2026 in San Jose, California.
(Ezra Shaw, Getty Images)
Motiejus Krivas #13 of the Arizona Wildcats dunks the ball against the Arkansas Razorbacks during the second half in the Sweet Sixteen of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at SAP Center on March 26, 2026 in San Jose, California.
(Ezra Shaw, Getty Images)
Head coach Tommy Lloyd of the Arizona Wildcats reacts after the game against the Arkansas Razorbacks in the Sweet Sixteen of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at SAP Center on March 26, 2026 in San Jose, California.
(Ezra Shaw, Getty Images)
Mar 26, 2026; San Jose, CA, USA; Arizona Wildcats forward Koa Peat (10) dunks the ball against the Arkansas Razorbacks in the first half during a Sweet Sixteen game of the West Regional of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at SAP Center. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-Imagn Images
(Kyle Terada, Kyle Terada-Imagn Images)
Arizona Wildcats guard Brayden Burries (5) reaches for a loose ball against the Arkansas Razorbacks in the first half during a Sweet Sixteen game of the West Regional of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at SAP Center.
(Eakin Howard, Eakin Howard-Imagn Images)
Arizona Wildcats guard Jaden Bradley (0) high-fives Arizona Wildcats forward Koa Peat (10) against the Arkansas Razorbacks in the second half during a Sweet Sixteen game of the West Regional of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at SAP Center.
(Eakin Howard-Imagn Images)
Arizona Wildcats guard Brayden Burries (5) celebrates after a play against the Arkansas Razorbacks in the second half during a Sweet Sixteen game of the West Regional of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at SAP Center.
(Eakin Howard-Imagn Images)
Arizona Wildcats forward Koa Peat (10) dunks the ball against the Arkansas Razorbacks in the second half during a Sweet Sixteen game of the West Regional of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at SAP Center.
(Kyle Terada, Kyle Terada-Imagn Images)
Arizona Wildcats forward Koa Peat (10) reacts after a pay against the Arkansas Razorbacks in the second half during a Sweet Sixteen game of the West Regional of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at SAP Center.
(Eakin Howard-Imagn Images)
Anthony Dell'orso #3 of the Arizona Wildcats reacts after shooting a three point basket against the Purdue Boilermakers during the second half of a game in the Elite Eight of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at SAP Center on March 28, 2026 in San Jose, California.
(Thearon W. Henderson, Getty Images)
Jaden Bradley #0 of the Arizona Wildcats reacts during the second half of a game against the Purdue Boilermakers in the Elite Eight of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at SAP Center on March 28, 2026 in San Jose, California.
(Ezra Shaw, Getty Images)
Ivan Kharchenkov #8 of the Arizona Wildcats reacts during the second half of a game against the Purdue Boilermakers in the Elite Eight of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at SAP Center on March 28, 2026 in San Jose, California.
(Ezra Shaw, Getty Images)
Ivan Kharchenkov #8 of the Arizona Wildcats looks on during the second half of a game against the Purdue Boilermakers in the Elite Eight of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at SAP Center on March 28, 2026 in San Jose, California.
(Ezra Shaw, Getty Images)
Bryce James #6, Koa Peat #10 and Brayden Burries #5 of the Arizona Wildcats celebrate after defeating the Purdue Boilermakers 79-64 in the Elite Eight of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at SAP Center on March 28, 2026 in San Jose, California.
(Thearon W. Henderson, Getty Images)
Brayden Burries #5 and Motiejus Krivas #13 of the Arizona Wildcats celebrate after defeating the defeating the Purdue Boilermakers 79-64 in the Elite Eight of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at SAP Center on March 28, 2026 in San Jose, California.
(Thearon W. Henderson, Getty Images)
Ivan Kharchenkov #8 of the Arizona Wildcats cuts down the net after defeating the Purdue Boilermakers 79-64 in the Elite Eight of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at SAP Center on March 28, 2026 in San Jose, California.
(Thearon W. Henderson, Getty Images)
Jaden Bradley #0 of the Arizona Wildcats cuts down the net afterdefeating the Purdue Boilermakers 79-64 in the Elite Eight of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at SAP Center on March 28, 2026 in San Jose, California.
(Ezra Shaw, Getty Images)
Head coach Tommy Lloyd of the Arizona Wildcats cuts down the net after defeating the Purdue Boilermakers 79-64 in the Elite Eight of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at SAP Center on March 28, 2026 in San Jose, California.
(Thearon W. Henderson, Getty Images)
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Arizona Wildcats forward Ivan Kharchenkov (8) reacts in the first half against the LIU Sharks during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Viejas Arena.
(Denis Poroy-Imagn Images)
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Arizona Wildcats forward Ivan Kharchenkov (8) reacts in the first half against the LIU Sharks during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Viejas Arena.
(Denis Poroy-Imagn Images)
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Arizona Wildcats center Motiejus Krivas (13) and guard Brayden Burries (5) and forward Tobe Awaka (30) react with the bench in the second half against the LIU Sharks during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Viejas Arena.
(Denis Poroy, Denis Poroy-Imagn Images)
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Arizona Wildcats forward Tobe Awaka (30) dunks against the Long Island University Sharks during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Viejas Arena.
(Kirby Lee, Kirby Lee-Imagn Images)
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Brayden Burries #5 of the Arizona Wildcats reacts during the first half against the Long Island University Sharks in the first round of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Viejas Arena at San Diego State University on March 20, 2026 in San Diego, California.
(Sean M. Haffey, Getty Images)
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Shadrak Lasu #22 of the Long Island University Sharks defends against Motiejus Krivas #13 of the Arizona Wildcats during the second half in the first round of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Viejas Arena at San Diego State University on March 20, 2026 in San Diego, California.
(Sean M. Haffey, Getty Images)
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Koa Peat #10 of the Arizona Wildcats shoots the ball against Mason Porter-Brown #6 of the Long Island University Sharks during the second half in the first round of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Viejas Arena at San Diego State University on March 20, 2026 in San Diego, California.
(Sean M. Haffey, Getty Images)
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Ivan Kharchenkov #8 of the Arizona Wildcats rebounds the ball in front of teammates Koa Peat #10 and Tobe Awaka #30 during the first half against the Utah State Aggies in the second round of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Viejas Arena at San Diego State University on March 22, 2026 in San Diego, California.
(Sean M. Haffey, Getty Images)
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Koa Peat #10 of the Arizona Wildcats speaks with teammates during the first half against the Utah State Aggies in the second round of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Viejas Arena at San Diego State University on March 22, 2026 in San Diego, California.
(Sean M. Haffey, Getty Images)
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Ivan Kharchenkov #8 of the Arizona Wildcats reacts during the second half against the Utah State Aggies in the second round of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Viejas Arena at San Diego State University on March 22, 2026 in San Diego, California.
(Sean M. Haffey, Getty Images)
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Arizona Wildcats forward Ivan Kharchenkov (8) shoots against the Utah State Aggies in the second half during a second round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Viejas Arena.
(Kirby Lee-Imagn Images)
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Arizona Wildcats forward Koa Peat (10) celebrates with guard Brayden Burries (5) after defeating the Utah State Aggies during a second round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Viejas Arena.
(Denis Poroy, Denis Poroy-Imagn Images)
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Arizona Wildcats guard Brayden Burries (5) celebrates after defeating the Utah State Aggies during a second round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Viejas Arena.
(Kirby Lee-Imagn Images)
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Koa Peat #10 of the Arizona Wildcats dunks the ball against the Arkansas Razorbacks during the second half in the Sweet Sixteen of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at SAP Center on March 26, 2026 in San Jose, California.
(Ezra Shaw, Getty Images)
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Motiejus Krivas #13 of the Arizona Wildcats dunks the ball against the Arkansas Razorbacks during the second half in the Sweet Sixteen of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at SAP Center on March 26, 2026 in San Jose, California.
(Ezra Shaw, Getty Images)
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Head coach Tommy Lloyd of the Arizona Wildcats reacts after the game against the Arkansas Razorbacks in the Sweet Sixteen of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at SAP Center on March 26, 2026 in San Jose, California.
(Ezra Shaw, Getty Images)
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Mar 26, 2026; San Jose, CA, USA; Arizona Wildcats forward Koa Peat (10) dunks the ball against the Arkansas Razorbacks in the first half during a Sweet Sixteen game of the West Regional of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at SAP Center. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-Imagn Images
(Kyle Terada, Kyle Terada-Imagn Images)
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Arizona Wildcats guard Brayden Burries (5) reaches for a loose ball against the Arkansas Razorbacks in the first half during a Sweet Sixteen game of the West Regional of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at SAP Center.
(Eakin Howard, Eakin Howard-Imagn Images)
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Arizona Wildcats guard Jaden Bradley (0) high-fives Arizona Wildcats forward Koa Peat (10) against the Arkansas Razorbacks in the second half during a Sweet Sixteen game of the West Regional of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at SAP Center.
(Eakin Howard-Imagn Images)
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Arizona Wildcats guard Brayden Burries (5) celebrates after a play against the Arkansas Razorbacks in the second half during a Sweet Sixteen game of the West Regional of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at SAP Center.
(Eakin Howard-Imagn Images)
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Arizona Wildcats forward Koa Peat (10) dunks the ball against the Arkansas Razorbacks in the second half during a Sweet Sixteen game of the West Regional of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at SAP Center.
(Kyle Terada, Kyle Terada-Imagn Images)
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Arizona Wildcats forward Koa Peat (10) reacts after a pay against the Arkansas Razorbacks in the second half during a Sweet Sixteen game of the West Regional of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at SAP Center.
(Eakin Howard-Imagn Images)
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Anthony Dell'orso #3 of the Arizona Wildcats reacts after shooting a three point basket against the Purdue Boilermakers during the second half of a game in the Elite Eight of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at SAP Center on March 28, 2026 in San Jose, California.
(Thearon W. Henderson, Getty Images)
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Jaden Bradley #0 of the Arizona Wildcats reacts during the second half of a game against the Purdue Boilermakers in the Elite Eight of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at SAP Center on March 28, 2026 in San Jose, California.
(Ezra Shaw, Getty Images)
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Ivan Kharchenkov #8 of the Arizona Wildcats reacts during the second half of a game against the Purdue Boilermakers in the Elite Eight of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at SAP Center on March 28, 2026 in San Jose, California.
(Ezra Shaw, Getty Images)
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Ivan Kharchenkov #8 of the Arizona Wildcats looks on during the second half of a game against the Purdue Boilermakers in the Elite Eight of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at SAP Center on March 28, 2026 in San Jose, California.
(Ezra Shaw, Getty Images)
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Bryce James #6, Koa Peat #10 and Brayden Burries #5 of the Arizona Wildcats celebrate after defeating the Purdue Boilermakers 79-64 in the Elite Eight of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at SAP Center on March 28, 2026 in San Jose, California.
(Thearon W. Henderson, Getty Images)
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Brayden Burries #5 and Motiejus Krivas #13 of the Arizona Wildcats celebrate after defeating the defeating the Purdue Boilermakers 79-64 in the Elite Eight of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at SAP Center on March 28, 2026 in San Jose, California.
(Thearon W. Henderson, Getty Images)
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Ivan Kharchenkov #8 of the Arizona Wildcats cuts down the net after defeating the Purdue Boilermakers 79-64 in the Elite Eight of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at SAP Center on March 28, 2026 in San Jose, California.
(Thearon W. Henderson, Getty Images)
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Jaden Bradley #0 of the Arizona Wildcats cuts down the net afterdefeating the Purdue Boilermakers 79-64 in the Elite Eight of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at SAP Center on March 28, 2026 in San Jose, California.
(Ezra Shaw, Getty Images)
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Head coach Tommy Lloyd of the Arizona Wildcats cuts down the net after defeating the Purdue Boilermakers 79-64 in the Elite Eight of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at SAP Center on March 28, 2026 in San Jose, California.
(Thearon W. Henderson, Getty Images)
Arizona came out with a sense of urgency out of the locker room, and Purdue couldn't maintain its hot shooting. A 16-3 run gave the Wildcats the lead back, which they held the rest of the way as they overwhelmed Purdue down the stretch.
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The Wildcats outscored the Boilermakers 48-26 in the final 20 minutes, shooting 51.6% from the field in that time while Purdue had a 32.1% mark, making just one 3-pointer at the very end after hitting seven in the first half.
Four Arizona starters were in double figures, led by 20 points from Koa Peat , who was named the West Region most outstanding player.
Finally, Arizona has broken the March curse that hovered over the program for the majority of the 21st century with one of the most impressive runs of the tournament so far, winning all four games by more than 10 points.
Last appearing in the Final Four in 2001 under the great Lute Olsen, the Wildcats had fallen short of reaching the stage every time since then despite being one of the winningest programs in the country. Arizona had lost six consecutive Elite Eight appearances, with two of them as a No. 1 seed.
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While the Wildcats have featured several NBA stars over the years that had championship potential, this well-balanced unit was the one to end the spell. All it took was winning a program-record 36 games to do it.
Iowa State Cyclones fans cheer against the Kentucky Wildcats during the first half in the second round of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Enterprise Center on March 22, 2026 in St Louis, Missouri.
Kansas Jayhawks cheerleaders perform before a second round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament against the St. John's Red Storm at Viejas Arena on March 22, 2026 in San Diego, Calif.
(Denis Poroy, Imagn Images)
Nebraska's Berke Buyuktuncel celebrates with fans following a second-round game in the NCAA men's basketball tournament between Nebraska Cornhuskers and Vanderbilt Commodores at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City on March 21, 2026.
Arkansas Razorbacks cheerleaders in the second half against the Hawaii Rainbow Warriors during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Moda Center on March 19, 2026 in Portland, Ore.
VCU Rams fans react after a 3-pointer by Terrence Hill Jr. #6 of the VCU Rams in the first round of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Bon Secours Wellness Arena on March 19, 2026 in Greenville, SC.
(Jared C. Tilton, Getty Images)
Howard Bison cheerleaders perform during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament against the Michigan Wolverines at Keybank Center on Mar 19, 2026 in Buffalo, NY.
(Mark Konezny, Imagn Images)
BYU Cougars cheerleader in the second half against the Texas Longhorns during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Moda Center on Mar 19, 2026 in Portland, Ore.
(Craig Strobeck, Imagn Images)
Former North Carolina Tar Heels head coach Roy Williams is seen in the crowd against the VCU Rams in the second half of a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Bon Secours Wellness Arena on Mar 19, 2026 in Greenville, SC.
(Bob Donnan, Imagn Images)
Texas A&M Aggies cheerleaders during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Paycom Center on March 19, 2026 in Oklahoma City.
(William Purnell, Imagn Images)
Texas Longhorns band in the first half against the BYU Cougars during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Moda Center on Mar 19, 2026 in Portland.
(Craig Strobeck, Imagn Images)
St. John's Red Storm mascot Johnny Thunder mixes with players prior to taking the court during practice day ahead of the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Viejas Arena at San Diego State University on March 19, 2026 in San Diego, California.
(Sean M. Haffey, Getty Images)
A Texas Christian University Horned Frogs cheerleader practices before the game during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Bon Secours Wellness Arena on March 19, 2026 in Greenville, SC.
The High Point Panthers fans cheer during the second half of a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament against the Wisconsin Badgers at Moda Center on March 19, 2026 in Portland, Or.
(Troy Wayrynen, Imagn Images)
The High Point Panthers cheerleaders react during the second half of a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament against the Wisconsin Badgers at Moda Center on March 19, 2026 in Portland, Or.
(Troy Wayrynen, Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images)
The North Dakota State Bison mascot and cheerleaders pose for a photo before the game against the Michigan State Spartans during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Keybank Center on March 19, 2026 in Buffalo, NY
(Gregory Fisher, Imagn Images)
Nebraska Cornhuskers fans cheer after defeating the Troy Trojans during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Paycom Center on March 19, 2026 in Oklahoma City.
(Alonzo Adams, Imagn Images)
The Wisconsin Badgers mascot performs during a time out during the second half of a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament against the High Point Panthers at Moda Center on March 19, 2026 in Portland.
(Craig Strobeck, Imagn Images)
A view of Buddy the Street Dog as Queens University of Charlotte Royals guard Yoav Berman talks to the media during a practice session ahead of the first round of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Enterprise Center in St. Louis on March 19, 2026.
(Jeff Le, Imagn Images)
The High Point Panthers band performs prior to a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament against the Wisconsin Badgers at Moda Center on March 19, 2026 in Portland, Or.
(Craig Strobeck, Imagn Images)
High Point Panthers fans cheer prior to a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament against the Wisconsin Badgers at Moda Center on March 19, 2026 in Portland, Or.
(Craig Strobeck, Imagn Images)
The Wisconsin Badgers cheerleaders preform during the first half of a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament against the High Point Panthers at Moda Center on March 19, 2026 in Portland, Or.
(Craig Strobeck, Imagn Images)
The South Florida Bulls mascot performs during the second half against the Louisville Cardinals during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Keybank Center on March 19, 2026 in Buffalo, NY.
(Mark Konezny, Imagn Images)
The Texas Christian University Horned Frogs cheerleaders perform in the first half during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Bon Secours Wellness Arena on March 19, 2026 in Greenville, SC.
(Jim Dedmon, Imagn Images)
The Troy Trojans mascot dances on the floor during the second half against the Nebraska Cornhuskers during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Paycom Center on March 19, 2026 in Oklahoma City.
(William Purnell, William Purnell-Imagn Images)
The UCF Knights band performs during a practice session ahead of the first round of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Xfinity Mobile Arena on March 19, 2026 in Philadelphia.
(Bill Streicher, Imagn Images)
Nebraska Cornhuskers cheerleaders perform during the second half against the Troy Trojans during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Paycom Center on March 19, 2026 in Oklahoma City.
(William Purnell, Imagn Images)
A Wisconsin Badgers cheerleader performs during the first half of a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament against the High Point Panthers at Moda Center on March 19, 2026 in Portland, Or.
(Craig Strobeck, Imagn Images)
The Ohio State Buckeyes cheerleaders perform in the second half during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Bon Secours Wellness Arena on March 19, 2026 in Greenville, SC.
(Bob Donnan, Imagn Images)
Akron Zips fans in the first half against the Texas Tech Red Raiders during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Benchmark International Arena on March 20, 2026 in Tampa, Fla.
(Matt Pendleton, Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images)
Texas Tech Red Raiders cheerleaders in the first half against the Akron Zips during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Benchmark International Arena on March 20, 2026 in Tampa, Fla.
(Nathan Ray Seebeck, Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images)
Santa Clara Broncos fans react to game play against the Kentucky Wildcats during the second half of a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Enterprise Center on March 20, 2026 in St. Louis, MO.
(Jeff Le, Jeff Le-Imagn Images)
Akron Zips cheerleaders and mascot in the second half against the Texas Tech Red Raiders during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Benchmark International Arena on March 20, 2026 in Tampa, Fla.
(Matt Pendleton, Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images)
Wright State Raiders fans celebrate after a Wright State Raiders guard TJ Burch (22) scores during the second half against the Virginia Cavaliers during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Xfinity Mobile Arena on March 20, 2026 in Philadelphia, PA.
(Bill Streicher, Bill Streicher-Imagn Images)
Hofstra Pride cheerleaders in the second half against the Alabama Crimson Tide during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Benchmark International Arena on March 20, 2026 in Tampa, Fla.
(Matt Pendleton, Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images)
Garth Noble of the Louisville pep band is amped at the 2026 NCAA Women's March Madness basketball tournament at the KFC Yum Center In Louisville, Kentucky. March 21, 2026.
(Matt Stone/Courier Journal)
Michigan head coach Dusty May high-fives players after 95-72 win over Saint Louis at the NCAA Tournament Second Round at KeyBank Center in Buffalo on Saturday, March 21, 2026.
(Junfu Han, USA TODAY NETWORK)
The Notre Dame Fighting Irish band and spirit squad cheer during the first round of the NCAA women's basketball tournament against the Fairfield Stags at Ohio State's Schottenstein Center in Columbus on March 21, 2026.
(Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch)
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Iowa State Cyclones fans cheer against the Kentucky Wildcats during the first half in the second round of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Enterprise Center on March 22, 2026 in St Louis, Missouri.
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Iowa State Cyclones fans cheer against the Kentucky Wildcats during the first half in the second round of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Enterprise Center on March 22, 2026 in St Louis, Missouri.
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Kansas Jayhawks cheerleaders perform before a second round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament against the St. John's Red Storm at Viejas Arena on March 22, 2026 in San Diego, Calif.
(Denis Poroy, Imagn Images)
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Nebraska's Berke Buyuktuncel celebrates with fans following a second-round game in the NCAA men's basketball tournament between Nebraska Cornhuskers and Vanderbilt Commodores at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City on March 21, 2026.
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Arkansas Razorbacks cheerleaders in the second half against the Hawaii Rainbow Warriors during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Moda Center on March 19, 2026 in Portland, Ore.
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VCU Rams fans react after a 3-pointer by Terrence Hill Jr. #6 of the VCU Rams in the first round of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Bon Secours Wellness Arena on March 19, 2026 in Greenville, SC.
(Jared C. Tilton, Getty Images)
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Howard Bison cheerleaders perform during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament against the Michigan Wolverines at Keybank Center on Mar 19, 2026 in Buffalo, NY.
(Mark Konezny, Imagn Images)
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BYU Cougars cheerleader in the second half against the Texas Longhorns during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Moda Center on Mar 19, 2026 in Portland, Ore.
(Craig Strobeck, Imagn Images)
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Former North Carolina Tar Heels head coach Roy Williams is seen in the crowd against the VCU Rams in the second half of a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Bon Secours Wellness Arena on Mar 19, 2026 in Greenville, SC.
(Bob Donnan, Imagn Images)
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Texas A&M Aggies cheerleaders during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Paycom Center on March 19, 2026 in Oklahoma City.
(William Purnell, Imagn Images)
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Texas Longhorns band in the first half against the BYU Cougars during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Moda Center on Mar 19, 2026 in Portland.
(Craig Strobeck, Imagn Images)
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St. John's Red Storm mascot Johnny Thunder mixes with players prior to taking the court during practice day ahead of the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Viejas Arena at San Diego State University on March 19, 2026 in San Diego, California.
(Sean M. Haffey, Getty Images)
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A Texas Christian University Horned Frogs cheerleader practices before the game during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Bon Secours Wellness Arena on March 19, 2026 in Greenville, SC.
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The High Point Panthers fans cheer during the second half of a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament against the Wisconsin Badgers at Moda Center on March 19, 2026 in Portland, Or.
(Troy Wayrynen, Imagn Images)
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The High Point Panthers cheerleaders react during the second half of a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament against the Wisconsin Badgers at Moda Center on March 19, 2026 in Portland, Or.
(Troy Wayrynen, Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images)
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The North Dakota State Bison mascot and cheerleaders pose for a photo before the game against the Michigan State Spartans during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Keybank Center on March 19, 2026 in Buffalo, NY
(Gregory Fisher, Imagn Images)
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Nebraska Cornhuskers fans cheer after defeating the Troy Trojans during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Paycom Center on March 19, 2026 in Oklahoma City.
(Alonzo Adams, Imagn Images)
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The Wisconsin Badgers mascot performs during a time out during the second half of a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament against the High Point Panthers at Moda Center on March 19, 2026 in Portland.
(Craig Strobeck, Imagn Images)
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A view of Buddy the Street Dog as Queens University of Charlotte Royals guard Yoav Berman talks to the media during a practice session ahead of the first round of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Enterprise Center in St. Louis on March 19, 2026.
(Jeff Le, Imagn Images)
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The High Point Panthers band performs prior to a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament against the Wisconsin Badgers at Moda Center on March 19, 2026 in Portland, Or.
(Craig Strobeck, Imagn Images)
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High Point Panthers fans cheer prior to a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament against the Wisconsin Badgers at Moda Center on March 19, 2026 in Portland, Or.
(Craig Strobeck, Imagn Images)
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The Wisconsin Badgers cheerleaders preform during the first half of a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament against the High Point Panthers at Moda Center on March 19, 2026 in Portland, Or.
(Craig Strobeck, Imagn Images)
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The South Florida Bulls mascot performs during the second half against the Louisville Cardinals during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Keybank Center on March 19, 2026 in Buffalo, NY.
(Mark Konezny, Imagn Images)
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The Texas Christian University Horned Frogs cheerleaders perform in the first half during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Bon Secours Wellness Arena on March 19, 2026 in Greenville, SC.
(Jim Dedmon, Imagn Images)
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The Troy Trojans mascot dances on the floor during the second half against the Nebraska Cornhuskers during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Paycom Center on March 19, 2026 in Oklahoma City.
(William Purnell, William Purnell-Imagn Images)
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The UCF Knights band performs during a practice session ahead of the first round of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Xfinity Mobile Arena on March 19, 2026 in Philadelphia.
(Bill Streicher, Imagn Images)
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Nebraska Cornhuskers cheerleaders perform during the second half against the Troy Trojans during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Paycom Center on March 19, 2026 in Oklahoma City.
(William Purnell, Imagn Images)
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A Wisconsin Badgers cheerleader performs during the first half of a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament against the High Point Panthers at Moda Center on March 19, 2026 in Portland, Or.
(Craig Strobeck, Imagn Images)
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The Ohio State Buckeyes cheerleaders perform in the second half during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Bon Secours Wellness Arena on March 19, 2026 in Greenville, SC.
(Bob Donnan, Imagn Images)
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Akron Zips fans in the first half against the Texas Tech Red Raiders during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Benchmark International Arena on March 20, 2026 in Tampa, Fla.
(Matt Pendleton, Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images)
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Texas Tech Red Raiders cheerleaders in the first half against the Akron Zips during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Benchmark International Arena on March 20, 2026 in Tampa, Fla.
(Nathan Ray Seebeck, Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images)
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Santa Clara Broncos fans react to game play against the Kentucky Wildcats during the second half of a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Enterprise Center on March 20, 2026 in St. Louis, MO.
(Jeff Le, Jeff Le-Imagn Images)
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Akron Zips cheerleaders and mascot in the second half against the Texas Tech Red Raiders during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Benchmark International Arena on March 20, 2026 in Tampa, Fla.
(Matt Pendleton, Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images)
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Wright State Raiders fans celebrate after a Wright State Raiders guard TJ Burch (22) scores during the second half against the Virginia Cavaliers during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Xfinity Mobile Arena on March 20, 2026 in Philadelphia, PA.
(Bill Streicher, Bill Streicher-Imagn Images)
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Hofstra Pride cheerleaders in the second half against the Alabama Crimson Tide during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Benchmark International Arena on March 20, 2026 in Tampa, Fla.
(Matt Pendleton, Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images)
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Garth Noble of the Louisville pep band is amped at the 2026 NCAA Women's March Madness basketball tournament at the KFC Yum Center In Louisville, Kentucky. March 21, 2026.
(Matt Stone/Courier Journal)
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Michigan head coach Dusty May high-fives players after 95-72 win over Saint Louis at the NCAA Tournament Second Round at KeyBank Center in Buffalo on Saturday, March 21, 2026.
(Junfu Han, USA TODAY NETWORK)
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The Notre Dame Fighting Irish band and spirit squad cheer during the first round of the NCAA women's basketball tournament against the Fairfield Stags at Ohio State's Schottenstein Center in Columbus on March 21, 2026.
(Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch)
Purdue will be returning home to Indiana, except not to play in nearby Indianapolis , denied of reaching its second Final Four in three years after starting the season the No. 1 team in the country.
Now that the Boilermakers won't win their first national championship and the last team from Indiana remaining, it guarantees a team won't win the title in its home state, which hasn't happened since UCLA won in San Diego in 1975.
The loss also keeps an unfortunate March streak intact, with Purdue now 0-10 all-time against No. 1 seeds in the NCAA Tournament.
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Boilermakers guard Braden Smith ends his career as the NCAA all-time assist leader with 1,103 career dimes.
Instead, Arizona now heads to Indianapolis, a city synonymous with its history as it is where it won the lone national championship in 1997. The Wildcats will play the winner of Michigan and Tennessee in the national semifinals, with a chance to add a second championship.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Arizona basketball beats Purdue in Elite 8, advances to 2026 Final Four
