SAN JOSE,  Calif.  – The Arkansas Razorbacks have advanced to the Sweet Sixteen for the 16th time in program history, continuing their strong run in the NCAA Tournament. Awaiting them is a daunting challenge: a matchup against No. 1 seed Arizona.

When looking at Arizona, they are built on three things: size, strength, and physicality. The Wildcats are one of the most dominant teams in the paint. They are ranked No.2 nationally in the nation in points in the paint averaging 47 points per game.

They are also one of the best teams in the country in rebounding with +24.5 rebound differential in the NCAA tournament. 

“I also felt pretty good that if we don’t get it up and turn it over, we can rebound,” Tommy Lloyd, Arizona Head Men’s Basketball Coach, said. “I think we had 22 offensive rebounds and obviously that’s a key component to our success as well.” 

The challenge for the Razorbacks does not stop there, they also have to find a way to slow down Arizona’s guard duo led by Big 12 Player of the year Jaden Bradley and true freshman Brayden Burries.

They average 29 points, 8 rebounds, and 7 assists per game together. In the postseason, Burries has been exceptional shooting around 65% from the field 

“Offensively he’s a team’s worst nightmare shooting from all three levels and he can defend so he’s definitely a great piece to have,” Jaden Bradley, a senior guard, said. 

“He’s a laid back unassuming guy but he has a killer in him and that’s a beautiful attribute. I mean there’s nothing wrong with being a great human being off the court but a killer,” Coach Lloyd said. 

Another challenge for the Razorbacks is the size advantage the Wildcats have over the hogs. Their bigs weigh nearly 25 pounds heavier than Trevon Brazile and Malique Ewin. The biggest man on the Wildcats roster is Center Motiejus Krivas is 7-foot-2 and weighs 260lbs. 

But even with those challenges, the potential bright spot for Arkansas is in the second half. During the regular season, Arizona outscored their opponents by eight points after halftime. That number has dropped to around three points in the NCAA tournament. But they believe surviving the gauntlet of the Big 12 has prepared them for moments like this. 

“Last week we had three tough games back to back to back so I think that definitely helped us leading into this tournament and yeah the BIG12 is the best conference in college basketball so it definitely got us prepared for this moment.,” Koa Peat, a forward, said. 

Arkansas will tip off against Arizona on Thursday, March 26th at 8:45 p.m. CT. The game will be aired on CBS.

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