Elite Eight Showdown: Purdue Meets Arizona for a Final Four Bid

In San Jose, Purdue (30-8) faces No. 1 Arizona (35-2) in the NCAA Elite Eight, aiming for a second Final Four in three seasons. Purdue remains the top offense per KenPom but needs improved 3-point shooting after a rough night from deep; Fletcher Loyer and Braden Smith carry the scoring load, with Trey Kaufman-Renn trending at 21.3 PPG on 64% shooting in the tournament and Oscar Cluff providing inside heft. Arizona, a high-scoring, elite-efficient team, uses a low-volume 3-point approach but excels on the glass and interior defense, led by a strong frontcourt. Purdue must avoid foul trouble for its big men, generate double-digit threes, and rely on Smith to match Arizona’s physicality. On3 projects a tight, high-level clash with Arizona likely to edge Purdue 82-78.