What to know about NCAA Tournament West Region: Can Arizona return to Final Four?
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Arizona’s battle-tested roster and top West seed set team up for a deep run.
- At Purdue, Braden Smith sits one assist shy of Bobby Hurley’s NCAA record.
- Upset watch: High Point (12) is a 12-over-5 threat against Wisconsin.
In the Big 12 Tournament, Arizona, the top seed in the West, outlasted three teams that are on the bracket, including a pair of No. 2 seeds in Iowa State and Houston.
Is any squad more battle tested than the Wildcats?
“It was an incredible ride the last three days,” Arizona coach Tommy Lloyd said.
And it should set Arizona up for a deep run in the NCAA Tournament. The program has owned a No. 1 seed five times since winning the 1997 championship but hasn’t been to a Final Four since 2001.
But with a lineup stacked with potential NBA Draft choices, led by Big 12 player of the year Jaden Bradley, this team seems equipped to reach the final weekend, and perhaps experience one shining moment.
Top players in the West Regional
Arkansas freshman Darius Acuff Jr. went wild during the SEC Tournament. He finished with 30 points and 11 assists in the championship game victory over Vanderbilt.
Braden Smith’s 11 assists helped power Purdue to the Big Ten championship over Michigan and put him within one of the NCAA record held by Duke’s Bobby Hurley. That chance for the No. 2 seed Boilermakers comes against No. 15 seed Queens, which made the field in its first eligible year as a Division I program.
Which team is on upset alert?
A No. 12 seed seems to come through against a No. 5 seed in every tournament, and this year keep an eye on High Point, making its second straight NCAA appearance. The Panthers take on Wisconsin.
West Regional prediction
Arizona outlasts Gonzaga to keep its magical season alive.
This story was originally published March 15, 2026 at 8:24 PM.