“Arizona rallies from halftime deficit to beat Purdue, reach 1st Final Four since 2001.” This statement encapsulates the essence of the game played on March 28, 2026, at the SAP Center in San Jose, California, where the Arizona Wildcats triumphed over the Purdue Boilermakers with a final score of 79-64.
The game began with Purdue taking a commanding lead, finishing the first half at 38-31. However, the second half saw a remarkable turnaround as Arizona outscored Purdue 48-26. This victory not only secured Arizona’s place in the Final Four but also marked their first appearance in this stage of the NCAA Tournament since 2001.
Koa Peat was a standout player for Arizona, scoring 20 points and grabbing 7 rebounds, thus breaking Mike Bibby’s school freshman record for an Elite Eight game. His performance was crucial in helping Arizona overcome the halftime deficit and ultimately secure the win.
Braden Smith, who concluded his Purdue career with an NCAA-record 1,103 assists, was a key player for the Boilermakers. Despite their strong start, Purdue struggled in the second half, unable to maintain their lead against a determined Arizona team.
Arizona’s shooting was notably effective, with the team going 20-of-22 from the free-throw line, compared to Purdue’s 8-of-13. This disparity in free-throw shooting was a significant factor in the game’s outcome, alongside Arizona’s ability to control the boards, finishing with a 37-36 rebounding edge.
The defeat ended Purdue’s season with a record of 30-9, while Arizona improved their overall record to 36-2. The Wildcats’ victory not only signifies a return to prominence for the program but also sets the stage for their upcoming challenges in the Final Four.
What observers say
As the game concluded, observers noted, “The Boilers’ season ends with a 30-9 record. Arizona (36-2) is in its first Final Four since 2001.” This statement highlights the contrasting fates of both teams, with Arizona celebrating a significant milestone in their program’s history.
With the victory, Arizona looks forward to the Final Four, where they will aim to continue their impressive run in the tournament. The Wildcats’ journey has been marked by resilience and determination, and they will seek to capitalize on this momentum as they advance in the NCAA Tournament.
