Half of the Final Four is set after Arizona and Illinois rallied in the second half to win Saturday’s Elite Eight games in Indianapolis.
Arizona 79, Purdue 64
How Arizona won: For the first time since 2001, Arizona reached the Final Four, driven by a trio of freshmen and senior leadership. Brayden Burries (14), Ivan Kharchenkov (18) and Koa Peat (20) combined for 52 points, while senior guard Jaden Bradley added 14. Arizona jumped out to a 19-12 lead early, but Purdue fought back — aided when coach Matt Painter inserted 7-foot-4 sophomore Daniel Jacobsen as Arizona’s first-half lead grew to seven. Jacobsen, who had totaled only four minutes across Purdue’s previous two games, helped briefly swing momentum. Arizona, however, reclaimed control less than six minutes into the second half and pulled away.
The Wildcats set a program record with 36 single-season wins, surpassing a mark that stood since 1988. Under fifth-year coach Tommy Lloyd, the group has combined efficient post scoring, offensive rebounding and aggressive interior play with energetic guard penetration to dominate late.
Why the paint mattered: Arizona’s identity is built on attacking the paint. The Wildcats ranked fifth nationally in paint points this season, averaging more than 42, and led the nation in free throw attempts (about 20 per game). In the Sweet 16 against Arkansas they produced an extraordinary interior night — 60 paint points and 30 points at the line. Versus Purdue, after a first-half battle in the post, Arizona intensified its interior attack in the second half, finishing with roughly 40 paint points and 20 points from free throws, outscoring Purdue by a combined 28 points in those areas. That consistent, aggressive focus on the paint has been central to their March run. — Kyle Bonagura
Arizona’s Final Four opponent: Winner of Michigan vs. Tennessee (Sunday)
Illinois 71, Iowa 59
How Illinois won: Brad Underwood insists his best players get the green light, and freshman Keaton Wagler delivered. Wagler scored 25 points to send Illinois to its first Final Four in 21 years. The Illini started poorly — down 12-2 early and scoreless until the 16:17 mark of the first half — while trying to contain Iowa guard Bennett Stritz, who had 15 first-half points on 6-of-9 shooting. Illinois tightened its defense after the break, holding Stritz to 2-for-6 in the second half and scoring 43 of its 71 points in the final 20 minutes.
Why defense mattered: Illinois’ offense has been historically efficient, but its defense ignited this tournament run. The Illini limited VCU to 55 points (0.83 points per possession) in the round of 32, held Houston to 55 (0.94 ppp) in the Sweet 16, and kept Iowa to 59 (1.08 ppp) in the Elite Eight. They defended the rim and paint exceptionally, holding those opponents below 48% on interior looks; Iowa made only seven 2-pointers Saturday. That defensive surge is a marked turnaround from late in the regular season, when Illinois allowed six of its final nine foes to score at least 1.17 points per possession and dropped five of eight games. The restored defensive discipline, paired with an already potent offense, has propelled the Illini to Indianapolis. — Myron Medcalf & Jeff Borzello
Illinois’ Final Four opponent: Winner of Duke vs. UConn (Sunday)
Relive Saturday’s Elite Eight highlights and key moments as both programs head to the Final Four.