Trending Now - March Madness Elite Eight: Key Matchups and Viewing Guide

WHO:

AP News - Arizona head coach Tommy Lloyd stated, "Without Lute — without Sean doing what he did for those 12 years he was here, I wouldn’t be able to do what we did today. I fully understand that."

AP News - Arizona freshman Koa Peat stated, "Just being a kid from Arizona, to take this team to a Final Four, man, it’s a blessing. I’m proud of these guys. We worked for this. We’re not done yet."

AP News - Purdue guard Braden Smith stated, "They’re obviously very talented. They’re the No. 3 defensive team in the country."

AP News - Arizona head coach Tommy Lloyd stated, "Making it to the Final Four is big. We appreciate Tucson, the supporters, and everybody behind the scenes. We just are happy that we get to reward them with this."

AP News - Arizona freshman Koa Peat was named the region’s Most Outstanding Player after scoring 20 points against Purdue.

AP News - Arizona head coach Tommy Lloyd stated, "Just being a kid from Arizona, to take this team to a Final Four, man, it’s a blessing."

AP News - Arizona freshman Koa Peat was named the region’s Most Outstanding Player.

RealGM Basketball - Arizona's three freshman starters are Koa Peat, Ivan Kharchenkov, and Brayden Burries.

RealGM Basketball - Purdue guard Braden Smith finished his college career with 1,103 assists.

azdesertswarm.com - Arizona advanced to the Final Four for the first time since 2001 by beating Purdue 79-64 in the NCAA West Regional Final.

fightingillini.com - Illinois head coach Brad Underwood stated, "Our resilience was unbelievable. Guys just kept throwing body blows, we just kept hanging in there. Here I am an old juco coach from Kansas going to the Final Four with a group of guys that I love. Couldn't be more proud."

CNN - Illinois head coach Brad Underwood stated, "This group is special... Couldn't be more proud."

ESPN - The four No. 1 seeds in the Women's March Madness 2026 tournament advanced to the regional final.

Action Network - The Purdue Boilermakers and Arizona Wildcats are competing in the Elite Eight of the NCAA Tournament.

CNN - The Illinois Fighting Illini and Iowa Hawkeyes are also participating in the Elite Eight.

WHAT:

AP News - Arizona's victory over Purdue marked their 36th win of the season, setting a new program record, surpassing the previous mark of 35 set in 1988.

AP News - Arizona's defense held Purdue to just 38% shooting from the field, marking Purdue's second-lowest point total of the season.

AP News - Arizona used a 16-3 run early in the second half to regain the lead against Purdue.

AP News - Arizona's three freshman starters combined for 52 points in their victory over Purdue, with Koa Peat scoring 20, Ivan Kharchenkov adding 18, and Brayden Burries contributing 14.

AP News - Arizona is on a 13-game winning streak heading into the Final Four.

AP News - Arizona's victory over Purdue marked their 36th win of the season, setting a new program record, surpassing the previous mark of 35 set in 1988.

AP News - Arizona's defense held Purdue to just 38% shooting from the field, marking Purdue's second-lowest point total of the season.

AP News - Arizona used a 16-3 run early in the second half to regain the lead against Purdue.

AP News - Arizona's three freshman starters combined for 52 points in their victory over Purdue, with Koa Peat scoring 20, Ivan Kharchenkov adding 18, and Brayden Burries contributing 14.

AP News - Arizona's victory over Purdue marked their 36th win of the season, setting a new program record, surpassing the previous mark of 35 set in 1988.

AP News - Arizona's defense held Purdue to just 38% shooting from the field, marking Purdue's second-lowest point total of the season.

AP News - Arizona's victory over Purdue marked their 36th win of the season, setting a new program record.

AP News - Arizona's defense held Purdue to just 38% shooting from the field.

AP News - Arizona is on a 13-game winning streak heading into the Final Four.

AP News - Arizona's victory over Purdue marked their 36th win of the season, setting a new program record.

AP News - Arizona's defense held Purdue to just 38% shooting from the field.

RealGM Basketball - Arizona set a program record with 36 wins this season, surpassing the previous mark of 35 set in 1988.

RealGM Basketball - Arizona's three freshman starters combined for 52 points in their victory over Purdue, with Koa Peat scoring 20, Ivan Kharchenkov adding 18, and Brayden Burries contributing 14.

azdesertswarm.com - Arizona advanced to the Final Four for the first time since 2001 by beating Purdue 79-64 in the NCAA West Regional Final.

fightingillini.com - Illinois improved to 28-8 for the season, marking the fourth-most wins in program history.

RealGM Basketball - Arizona set a program record with 36 wins this season, surpassing the previous mark of 35 set in 1988.

RealGM Basketball - Arizona's three freshman starters combined for 52 points in their victory over Purdue, with Koa Peat scoring 20, Ivan Kharchenkov adding 18, and Brayden Burries contributing 14.

RealGM Basketball - Arizona head coach Tommy Lloyd mentioned Lute Olson, stating, "There's a good-looking guy with white hair looking down on us right now that's happy."

RealGM Basketball - Purdue guard Braden Smith finished his college career with 1,103 assists, breaking Bobby Hurley's all-time NCAA assists record earlier in the season.

RealGM Basketball - Arizona is on a 13-game winning streak heading into the Final Four.

fightingillini.com - Illinois outscored Iowa 20-8 in the final minutes of their game, finishing on an 8-0 run.

fightingillini.com - Illinois had a +28 advantage in points in the paint (40-12) against Iowa.

fightingillini.com - Illinois improved to 28-8 for the season, marking the fourth-most wins in program history.

fightingillini.com - Illinois outscored Iowa 20-8 in the final minutes of their game.

fightingillini.com - Illinois had a +17 advantage in rebounding (38-21) against Iowa.

fightingillini.com - Illinois scored 40 points in the paint compared to Iowa's 12.

azdesertswarm.com - Arizona advanced to the Final Four by defeating Purdue 79-64.

Action Network - Arizona is in the Elite Eight for the first time since 2015 and the 12th time in program history.

Action Network - Purdue is now playing in its second Elite Eight in the last three years and its third in the last seven tournaments.

CNN - Illinois guard Andrej Stojakovic scored 17 points coming off the bench in their victory over Iowa.

CNN - Iowa guard Bennett Stirtz scored a team-high 24 points in the Elite Eight game against Illinois.

NY Post - Arizona is on a 12-game winning streak heading into the Elite Eight.

Action Network - Arizona became the first team in NCAA Tournament history to have six players score 14 points or more in the same game during their Sweet 16 win over Arkansas.

CNN - Illinois guard Andrej Stojakovic is the son of longtime NBA player Peja Stojakovic.

CNN - Iowa guard Bennett Stirtz scored a team-high 24 points in the Elite Eight game against Illinois.

CNN - Illinois guard Keaton Wagler led all scorers with 25 points in their victory over Iowa.

Action Network - The over/under for the Purdue vs. Arizona game is set at 153.5 total points.

NY Post - Arizona defeated Arkansas by 21 points in the Sweet 16, with 20.9 percent of ESPN brackets predicting Arizona to win the tournament.

Action Network - Arizona is favored by 5.5 points against Purdue, with a moneyline of -255 for Arizona and +205 for Purdue.

CNN - Illinois won against Iowa with a score of 71-59, marking their first Final Four appearance since 2005.

CNN - Freshman guard Keaton Wagler led Illinois with 25 points in their victory over Iowa.

WHERE:

AP News - Arizona defeated Purdue at SAP Center in San Jose, California.

RealGM Basketball - Arizona defeated Purdue at SAP Center in San Jose, California.

fightingillini.com - Illinois defeated Iowa at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas.

CNN - The Final Four will take place at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Action Network - The Purdue vs. Arizona game is taking place at the SAP Center in San Jose, California.

CNN - The Illinois vs. Iowa game occurred at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas.

WHEN:

AP News - Arizona will face the winner of the Michigan vs. Tennessee matchup on Saturday, April 4th, 2026.

AP News - Arizona's last Final Four appearance was in 2001.

AP News - Arizona will face the winner of the Michigan vs. Tennessee matchup on Saturday, April 4th, 2026.

AP News - Arizona's last Final Four appearance was in 2001, and they will face the winner of the Michigan vs. Tennessee matchup on Saturday, April 4th, 2026.

AP News - Arizona's last Final Four appearance was in 2001.

RealGM Basketball - Arizona will face the winner of the Michigan vs. Tennessee matchup on Saturday, April 4th, 2026.

fightingillini.com - Illinois will face the winner of Duke vs. Connecticut on Saturday, April 4th, 2026.

RealGM Basketball - Arizona will face the winner of the Michigan vs. Tennessee matchup on Saturday, April 4th, 2026.

fightingillini.com - Illinois will face the winner of Duke vs. Connecticut on Saturday, April 4th, 2026.

fightingillini.com - Illinois' next game in the Final Four is scheduled for April 4th, 2026.

CNN - The Final Four is scheduled for Saturday, April 4th, 2026.

Action Network - The Purdue vs. Arizona game is scheduled for Saturday, March 28, 2026, at 8:49 p.m. ET.

CNN - The Illinois vs. Iowa game took place on Saturday, March 28, 2026, at 6:09 p.m. ET.

WHY:

CNN - The NCAA tournaments are designed to determine the teams that will advance to the Final Four.

HOW:

AP News - Arizona's defense bottled up Purdue in the second half to secure the victory.

AP News - Arizona used a 16-3 run early in the second half to regain the lead against Purdue.

fightingillini.com - Illinois limited Iowa to only six made shots in the second half, including only one from inside two-point range.

fightingillini.com - Illinois finished the game against Iowa on an 8-0 run.

Action Network - Purdue advanced to the Elite Eight by defeating Texas with a last-second tip-in by Trey Kaufman-Renn.

CNN - Illinois overcame a 9-0 deficit against Iowa, with a significant run in the second half to secure their victory.

(UPDATED March 30, 2026 01:18 UTC)

Arizona's victory over Purdue at the SAP Center in San Jose marked a historic moment as they achieved their 36th win of the season, breaking the previous program record set in 1988. The Wildcats' defense was key, holding Purdue to just 38% shooting and limiting their scoring, while Arizona's three freshman starters combined for an impressive 52 points, with Koa Peat leading the way with 20. Arizona is now on a 13-game winning streak and will face the winner of the Michigan versus Tennessee matchup in the Final Four April 4th.

(UPDATED March 29, 2026 23:02 UTC)

Arizona's impressive victory over Purdue at the SAP Center in San Jose, California, not only marked their 36th win of the season, setting a new program record, but also showcased their strong defense, holding Purdue to just 38% shooting. Freshman Koa Peat led the way with 20 points, as Arizona's three freshman starters combined for a remarkable 52 points in the game. Looking ahead, Arizona will face the winner of the Michigan versus Tennessee matchup April 4th.

(UPDATED March 29, 2026 21:01 UTC)

Arizona's victory over Purdue not only secured their spot in the Final Four but also marked their 36th win of the season, setting a new program record that surpasses the previous high of 35 wins from 1988. Head coach Tommy Lloyd credited the foundation laid by Lute Olson and Sean Miller for his team's success, while Purdue guard Braden Smith acknowledged Arizona's impressive defensive skills, noting they are the No. 3 defensive team in the country. Arizona's defense held Purdue to just 38% shooting, and they will face the winner of the Michigan versus Tennessee matchup April 4th.

(UPDATED March 29, 2026 19:08 UTC)

Arizona's basketball team celebrated a historic victory over Purdue at the SAP Center in San Jose, California, marking their 36th win of the season and setting a new program record. Freshman Koa Peat shined in the game, earning the title of Most Outstanding Player after scoring 20 points, while Arizona's defense limited Purdue to just 38% shooting from the field. Head coach Tommy Lloyd expressed gratitude to the supporters and emphasized the significance of reaching the Final Four for the first time since 2001, as the team heads into the tournament on a remarkable 13-game winning streak.

(UPDATED March 29, 2026 17:03 UTC)

Arizona's basketball team has made headlines by defeating Purdue, marking their 36th win of the season and setting a new program record, while also securing a spot in the Final Four for the first time since 2001. Head coach Tommy Lloyd expressed his excitement, saying it’s a blessing to lead a team from Arizona to this level, and freshman Koa Peat was named the region's Most Outstanding Player. The Wildcats showcased a strong defensive performance, holding Purdue to just 38% shooting from the field, and they regained the lead with a crucial 16-3 run early in the second half.

(UPDATED March 29, 2026 15:02 UTC)

Arizona has advanced to the Final Four for the first time since 2001 after defeating Purdue 79 to 64 at the SAP Center in San Jose, California, setting a program record with 36 wins this season. The Wildcats' three freshman starters, Koa Peat, Ivan Kharchenkov, and Brayden Burries, combined for 52 points in the victory, with Peat leading the way with 20. Meanwhile, Illinois improved to 28-8 for the season after beating Iowa at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas, and will also compete on Saturday, April 4th, against the winner of the Duke versus Connecticut matchup.

(UPDATED March 29, 2026 13:16 UTC)

Arizona's basketball team has set a new program record with 36 wins this season, surpassing the previous mark of 35 set in 1988, and they are currently on a 13-game winning streak heading into the Final Four. In their latest victory over Purdue, Arizona's three freshman starters combined for an impressive 52 points, with Koa Peat leading the way with 20. Arizona will face the winner of the Michigan versus Tennessee matchup April 4th.

(UPDATED March 29, 2026 11:02 UTC)

Arizona has advanced to the Final Four for the first time since 2001 after defeating Purdue with a score of 79 to 64 in the NCAA West Regional Final. In another exciting matchup, Illinois outscored Iowa 20 to 8 in the final minutes, finishing the game on an 8-0 run and boasting a remarkable +28 advantage in points in the paint. Illinois will now prepare to face the winner of the Duke versus Connecticut game April 4th.

(UPDATED March 29, 2026 09:06 UTC)

Illinois head coach Brad Underwood expressed pride in his team after they outscored Iowa 20-8 in the final minutes of their game, finishing with an impressive 8-0 run. The Fighting Illini dominated the boards with a +17 rebounding advantage, pulling down 38 rebounds compared to Iowa's 21, and they also scored 40 points in the paint while holding Iowa to just 12. Meanwhile, Arizona secured their spot in the Final Four by defeating Purdue 79 to 64, and Illinois will face off in the Final Four April 4th.

(UPDATED March 29, 2026 07:15 UTC)

Arizona has made it to the Elite Eight for the first time since 2015, marking the 12th time in the program's history, while Purdue is competing in its second Elite Eight in the last three years and its third in the last seven tournaments. In a recent game, Illinois guard Andrej Stojakovic scored 17 points off the bench, contributing to their victory over Iowa, where Iowa's Bennett Stirtz led his team with 24 points. The Final Four is set for April 4th, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana.

(UPDATED March 29, 2026 05:29 UTC)

Arizona is heading into the Elite Eight on a remarkable 12-game winning streak and made history by becoming the first team in NCAA Tournament history to have six players score 14 points or more in a single game during their Sweet 16 victory over Arkansas. In the Elite Eight matchup against Illinois, Iowa guard Bennett Stirtz led his team with 24 points, but it was Illinois guard Keaton Wagler who topped all scorers with 25 points, securing the win. The Final Four is set for April 4th, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana, with the over/under for the upcoming game between Purdue and Arizona set at 153.5 total points.

(UPDATED March 29, 2026 03:52 UTC)

All four No. 1 seeds in the Women's March Madness 2026 tournament have advanced to the regional final, with the Purdue Boilermakers and Arizona Wildcats competing in the Elite Eight. Arizona recently defeated Arkansas by 21 points in the Sweet 16, while Illinois secured their first Final Four appearance since 2005 by beating Iowa with a score of 71 to 59. The Purdue versus Arizona game is set for Saturday at the SAP Center in San Jose, California, while Illinois's victory over Iowa took place at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas.