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Arizona Vs LIU 🏀 Game Preview/Discussion Thread 3/20/26 at 1035pm

Arizona, the top seed in the West Region, is set to open the 2026 NCAA Tournament against No. 16 seed Long Island University on Friday at Viejas Arena in San Diego. The Wildcats come in as the clear favorites after putting together a stellar 32-2 record, including a Big 12 regular-season and tournament title. This marks Arizona's 40th NCAA Tournament appearance and its eighth time as a No. 1 seed. LIU, meanwhile, earned its eighth trip to the Big Dance by winning the Northeast Conference tournament, finishing the year at 24-10 overall and 15-3 in league play. The Sharks are coached by former NBA point guard Rod Strickland and will be looking to pull off one of the biggest upsets in tournament history against a program that has been among the most consistent in college basketball.

On paper, the mismatch is stark. Arizona has been averaging 86.1 points per game while holding opponents to just 68.8, creating a scoring margin of 17.4 points per contest. The Wildcats also dominate the glass at 42.5 rebounds per game compared to their foes' 31.7, and they rank near the top nationally in offensive efficiency. Standouts like guard Brayden Burries (15.9 PPG) and forward Tobe Awaka (9.5 RPG) give Tommy Lloyd's squad plenty of firepower. LIU, by contrast, scores 74.1 points per game and allows 71.1, scraping out a modest 3.0-point margin on a nightly basis. This will be only the second meeting between the programs; Arizona won the first one 62-61 years ago in a nail-biter that feels worlds away from the current talent gap.

While 16-over-1 upsets have happened only once in tournament history, LIU's gritty run through the NEC gives them a Cinderella story worth rooting for. Still, Arizona's experience, depth, and home-region advantage in San Diego make this feel like a classic mismatch where the Wildcats should cruise into the second round. Expect the No. 1 seed to lean on its superior size and pace to control the game from the opening tip. For the Sharks, it's a chance to soak in the March Madness spotlight before a likely exit, but don't be surprised if Arizona makes quick work of it and sets its sights on a deeper tournament run.

Let's talk about the Wildcats Vs Sharks! 

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This will be a great learning experience for LIU