Wildcats

• Arizona enters the tournament as a major contender, having recorded wins over powerhouse programs Florida, UConn, Alabama, Houston, and Kansas during the regular season. • The Wildcats are pursuing the West Coast's first national championship since 1997, leveraging their dominant schedule and tournament experience. • Arizona's offensive firepower and tournament pedigree position them among the favorites to compete for the national title.

• Arizona Wildcats defeated Houston Cougars to claim the Big 12 tournament championship on March 15, 2026, reshaping the NCAA Tournament seeding landscape. • The victory positions Arizona as a projected No. 1 seed alongside Duke, Michigan, and Florida in mock brackets. • This outcome shakes up the bubble, with SEC teams like Missouri, Texas, Oklahoma, and Auburn now fighting for limited at-large bids amid a shrinking pool.