Arizona advances to men's Final Four for first time since 2001

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The Arizona Wildcats snapped their Final Four drought on Saturday night with an Elite Eight victory over Purdue in the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament.

The Wildcats had gone 25 years without being in the Final Four. The last time the Wildcats got this far was in 2001 when they lost to the Duke Blue Devils in the national championship. They are now one win away from getting back there.

Arizona freshman Koa Peat scored 20 points as they defeated Purdue, 79-64. He was named the Most Outstanding Player of the West Region.

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Arizona forward Koa Peat dunks during the Elite Eight of the NCAA Tournament against Purdue, Saturday, March 28, 2026, in San Jose, California. (AP Photo/Kelley L Cox)

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

The Wildcats’ defense was able to do enough to frustrate Purdue star Braden Smith, the NCAA record-holder in assists. Smith had 13 points, seven assists, five rebounds and turned the ball over three times.

Oscar Cluff added 14 points and Trey Kaufman-Renn was held to 10 points.

Peat became the sixth freshman to score at least 20 points to help his team win Sweet 16 and Elite Eight matchups.

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Arizona players hold a trophy after a win over Purdue in the Elite Eight, Saturday, March 28, 2026, in San Jose, California. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez)

"They call him Mr. Arizona," Arizona head coach Tommy Lloyd said. "Koa is special, and I know you