“I’ve got my full focus on this team. Nothing is distracting me,” Lloyd answered, as reported by @TheFieldOf68 on X. “This team deserves my full attention, so that’s what I’m giving them.”

The Tar Heels parted ways with Hubert Davis after a wobbly season that ended in a first-round exit from the NCAA Tournament at the hands of No. 11 seed VCU. As one of college basketball’s most storied programs, North Carolina’s opening is highly appealing to coaches across the country.

However, Lloyd’s commitment to Arizona isn’t wavering—at least not while the Wildcats remain in the hunt for a national championship. As it stands, Lloyd and Arizona are two wins away from cutting down the nets at Lucas Oil Stadium.

Has Arizona ever won an NCAA Tournament?

The Arizona Wildcats went all the way and were crowned national champions in 1997 under head coach Lute Olson. Now, they are enjoying their greatest success in years under fifth-year coach Tommy Lloyd.

Arizona hadn’t reached the Final Four of the NCAA Men’s Tournament since 2001. Moreover, this marks just the fifth time in program history that the Wildcats are among the last four teams standing in March Madness.

Arizona’s record in Final Four all-time

Arizona has made the Final Four on four separate occasions prior to the 2026 NCAA Tournament. The Wildcats have experienced it all, getting a taste of success—as well as heartbreak and defeat. Here’s how Arizona fared each time it reached the Final Four:

• 1988: Eliminated in Final Four
• 1994: Eliminated in Final Four
• 1997: Won National Championship
• 2001: Lost in National Championship
• 2026: TBD

“Bear DOWN!!!! FINAL 4 BOUND,” the Lakers star stated through his official X account. Arizona defeated Purdue 79-64 and secured a spot among the tournament’s top four teams.

Tommy Lloyd’s team joins Illinois, which has also secured its spot at this stage. Can the James family finally celebrate a trip to the championship game?

The future of the Arizona Wildcats

Bryce James is currently spending the 2026 March Madness on the sidelines as he is redshirting his freshman season with the Arizona Wildcats. Although he hasn’t recorded any official stats during Arizona’s deep tournament run, the 6-foot-5 guard remains a key part of the program’s future.

By choosing to redshirt, James is focusing on his physical development and skill set under Tommy Lloyd, preserving four full years of eligibility starting in the 2026-27 season.

“The redshirting decision was just a long play, to give Bryce the most options in his career as his career unfolds,” Lloyd told the Big 12 Network. “I have real strong belief that Bryce will be a contributor at Arizona in the near future. He’s really shown a lot of progress, not only learning our system but just physically maturing.”

Waiting for the Wolverines

The Michigan Wolverines crushed the Tennessee Volunteers 95-62 and will be the next opponents of the Wildcats. The Final Four game is scheduled for Saturday, April 4, at Ford Field in Detroit, marking Arizona’s first appearance on this stage since 2001.

For Arizona, the focus has been on sustaining control through execution and limiting the swings that can change a tournament run in seconds. Meanwhile, Arkansas brings a more unpredictable edge.

Now everything compresses into one night where style, rhythm and adjustments collide. In a setting where the bracket resets emotionally after every possession, this game becomes less about reputation and more about who can survive.

What happens if Arizona beat Arkansas today?

Arizona advances to the Elite Eight if it beats Arkansas in the Sweet 16 of the NCAA March Madness. The Wildcats would extend their run in the 2026 NCAA Tournament and move one step closer to the Final Four.

A win would also reinforce Arizona’s status as one of the most complete teams in the bracket, with a balanced roster that has been efficient on both ends of the floor throughout the tournament.

On the other side, Arkansas would see its March Madness journey come to an immediate end. Despite strong performances to reach the Sweet 16, a loss eliminates the Razorbacks from contention.

What happens if Arizona and Arkansas tie?

There is no tie scenario in the NCAA Tournament. In the Sweet 16 of the NCAA March Madness, every game must produce a winner, meaning Arizona and Arkansas cannot finish level at any point that ends the game.

If the score is tied at the end of regulation, the game moves into overtime periods of five minutes each. Teams continue playing additional overtime frames until one side finishes ahead on the scoreboard.

What happens if Arizona lose to Arkansas today?

Arizona is eliminated from the NCAA Tournament if it loses to Arkansas in the Sweet 16. Despite entering as one of the strongest teams in the West Region, a single loss in this stage ends all title hopes.

A defeat would mark another early exit in a high-pressure postseason environment, something Tommy Lloyd‘s team has been trying to overcome in recent tournament runs.

After the game, the Wildcats’ HC spoke with the press and, far from making excuses for the unfavorable result, made it clear that their opponent was superior and praised the work done by Kelvin Sampson.

“Obviously, they’ve had a great season and they’ve had a couple of great seasons,” Lloyd said of Houston. “Coach Sampson deserves a ton of credit. They got us twice this year, and they won the conference by four or five games and then they win the conference tournament. At this moment, they’re the king of the Big 12. Nothing but respect for them.”

Although the game was extremely close until the final minutes, it was there that the Wildcats missed key shots, which ended up turning into turnovers, allowing the Cougars to extend the lead even further.

“We gave ourselves a chance. We just didn’t get it done,” Lloyd said. “Hopefully, we will learn from it. Obviously, we’re at the time of the year where there’s no margin for error, and we’re excited to take the next step into the NCAA Tournament.”

There are no excuses for Lloyd

Houston was superior to Arizona, yes. Even though the Wildcats had their chances to close out the game, failing those attempts gave their opponent the opportunity to take the lead. Despite the good play shown by his team, Coach Lloyd knows there are no excuses, and they must get back on the winning track.

“We’re right there, but it doesn’t matter. Doesn’t matter if you close the gap or not. You gotta get it done,” the experienced head coach firmly stated to the press. “We’re Arizona basketball. We’re used to winning championships, too, and we know that’s where we belong and that’s where we want to get. Right now, Houston is above us, and we’re going to do what we can to close that gap.”

He also added: “They’re literally isolating you and targeting you, and it’s obvious they’re doing it. Step up and get it done,” he said. “That was disappointing to me in the second half. We got isolated and targeted a little bit, and we didn’t get stops.”

What’s next for the Wildcats?

Despite the tough loss suffered on Saturday night against Houston, Tommy Lloyd’s squad has already set their sights on the NCAA Tournament, an event that, according to the HC’s own words, fills them with pride to be a part of.

“The moment we shower and leave this locker room, it’s on to the next thing,” Lloyd said. “We’re excited to be participating in the NCAA Tournament. It’s an honor. It’s something you should never take for granted. It’s really hard to do.” Arizona was projected as a No. 4 seed before the game, and while their seeding could be impacted, Lloyd isn’t concerned.

“I don’t live in hypotheticals. I have no idea,” he said. “Put us in as a 13-seed, we’ll be fine. We can’t wait till Thursday. … I will let you speculate on that. Whatever they give us, I’m ready.”

“Obviously, they’re in the bonus the whole game,” Lloyd said, reflecting on the difficulties his team faced defending Wisconsin. “That was tough, you know. And we’ve got to play smarter, and we’ve got to play better. I kind of warned our guys that they’re adept at drawing fouls certain ways, and we just didn’t play smart enough.” The Wildcats committed 32 fouls, with eight players accumulating three or more fouls. Both Caleb Love and Tobe Awaka fouled out, and Wisconsin capitalized, hitting 41 of 47 free throws.

Lloyd also emphasized the lack of discipline from his team, particularly when it came to playing defense without fouling. “We didn’t have the discipline,” he explained. “I don’t know how many times our guards dove into their chest… those are vertical contests, they’re probably not going to call the fouls.” Arizona’s defensive struggles were compounded by poor shot selection, and the Badgers were able to exploit the situation by drawing fouls and getting to the free-throw line early and often.

Lloyd acknowledged that the Wildcats struggled to adjust to the way the game was being officiated. “You have to adjust to how the game is being called,” Lloyd said. “We got to adjust. We’re the team on the road… you don’t play the victim, and you don’t just double down on fouling harder.” Arizona’s early foul trouble put them in the double bonus midway through the first half, allowing Wisconsin to take control and maintain a substantial advantage at the free-throw line.

Looking Ahead: Building for the Future

Despite the loss, Lloyd remained confident about the future of the team. “We’re going to be a good team. I’m not worried about that,” he said. He stressed the importance of these types of games, seeing the road challenge as an opportunity to grow. “Our program’s ready to take the next step, and I’m ready to lead the charge,” he added. While the loss was painful, Lloyd remains determined to guide his team toward improvement, acknowledging that they need to coach and play better moving forward.

[Watch Arizona vs Utah online for FREE in the US on Fubo]

The No. 10 Utah Utes (4-0) are riding high after a gritty 22-19 victory over Oklahoma State, proving their ability to grind out wins in tight situations. Meanwhile, the Arizona Wildcats (2-1) are coming off a tough 31-7 loss to Kansas State, and they’ll need a quick rebound if they hope to keep pace with a red-hot Utah team.

Utah are an 8-point favorite, with Oddsmakers expecting the Utes to extend their unbeaten streak. Arizona faces a daunting task as they try to bounce back from last week’s disappointment, while Utah looks to stay perfect at home. With the point total set at 47.5, the Utes will aim to maintain their dominant form and keep their conference title hopes on track.

When will the Arizona vs Utah match be played?

Arizona face Utah this Saturday, September 28th, in a highly anticipated Week 5 matchup of the 2024 college football season. The game will kick off at 10:15 PM (ET).

Arizona vs Utah: Time by State in the USA

ET: 10:15 PM
CT: 9:15 PM
MT: 8:15 PM
PT: 7:15 PM

How to watch Arizona vs Utah in the USA

Catch the 2024 college football clash between Arizona and Utah live on Fubo, which offers a free trial. Alternatively, you can tune in to ESPN.

[Watch Arizona vs Oklahoma online for FREE on Fubo]

Arizona were one of the biggest surprises in college football with a 9-3 record as the third best team in the Pac-12 just behind Washington and Oregon. They finished as the No.14 ranked team in the nation and this will be their last game before a massive move to the Big 12.

Meanwhile, Oklahoma had a 10-2 record but couldn’t make it to the Big 12 Championship Game after finishing behind Texas and Oklahoma State. They were playoff candidates with a 7-0 start, which included a huge win over the Longhorns, but consecutive losses against Kansas and the Cowboys derailed their hopes. The Sooners are 2.5-point underdogs before going to the SEC in 2024.

When will Arizona vs Oklahoma be played?

The Arizona Wildcats and the Oklahoma Sooners will play on Thursday, December 28 at 9:15 PM (ET). The series record is tied (1-1) and it’s important to remember that star quarterback Dillon Gabriel isn’t available for the Sooners as he opted for a transfer to Oregon. Jackson Arnold will take his place.

Arizona vs Oklahoma: Time by State in the US

ET: 9:15 PM
CT: 8:15 PM
MT: 7:15 PM
PT: 6:15 PM

How to watch Arizona vs Oklahoma in the US

The 2023 Alamo Bowl between Arizona and Oklahoma will be available in the United States on Fubo (7-day free trial). Other options to watch the game in the US are ESPN and ESPN+.

[Watch Northern Arizona vs Arizona online free in the US on Fubo]

The Lumberjacks have big aspirations in 2023, they don’t want to repeat the same losing record from last season that was 2-6 within the FCS Big Sky.

The Wildcats open the season with three games against non-conference teams and it won’t be until September 23 that they will play Stanford at home for what will be their first Pac-12 game of the year.

When will Northern Arizona vs Arizona be played?

Northern Arizona and Arizona play for the 2023 NCAA DI Football season on Saturday, September 2 at Arizona Stadium in Tucson. The home team is ready to try new things against a big team.

Northern Arizona vs Arizona: Time by state in the US

ET: 10:00 PM
CT: 9:00 PM
MT: 8:00 PM
PT: 7:00 PM

How to watch Northern Arizona vs Arizona in the US

This game for the 2023 NCAA DI Football season, Northern Arizona and Arizona at the Arizona Stadium in Tucson on Saturday, September 2, will be broadcast in the US by Fubo (7-day free trial) and other options to watch this game in the US is P12N.

Arizona pulled one of the major upsets of the year by beating UCLA two weeks ago. Nevertheless, the Wildcats have lost five of their last six games and have a 4-7 record. QB Jayden de Laura comes from a very disappointing performance against Washington State with four interceptions.Arizona lead the all-time series49-45-1.

Arizona State will try to win once again the Territorial Cup in this classic matchup with the Wildcats. The Sun Devils have a 3-8 record and are on a three-game losing streak (UCLA, Washington State and Oregon State). However, Arizona State have won the last five meetings between these two teams, but are a 3.5-underdog on the road.

Arizonavs Arizona State:Date

The Arizona Wildcatswill host the Arizona State Sun DevilsinWeek 13of the2022 NCAA College Football SeasononFriday, November 25at 3 PM (ET). The game will be played at Arizona Stadium inTucson.

Arizonavs Arizona State: Time by State in the US

ET: 3PM
CT: 2PM
MT: 1PM
PT: 12PM

How to watchArizonavs Arizona Statein the US

Arizona State visit ArizonainWeek 13ofthe2022 NCAA College Football Season. The game will be available to watch or live stream onfuboTV (7-day free trial)for the US.If you want to know all the channels, packages and plans offered by FuboTV, you can click here.Another optionif you don’t want to miss itin the United States is FS1.

Arizona shocked the Pac-12 and the entire nation after a major upset last week with a 34-28 win on the road against a Top-10 contender such as UCLA. Nobody saw that coming after four consecutive losses for the Wildcats. However, that victory was an emotional boost, put their record on 4-6 and kept alive their bowl elegibility hopes. This gamewill be special for QBJayden de Laura facinghis old team for the first time. Arizona lead the all-time series27-18.

Washington State have bounced back with two consecutive wins against Stanford and Arizona State improving to a 6-4 record. The Cougars have the best defense in the Pac-12 allowing less than 20 points per game.QB Cam Ward has been very solid this season passing for 2579 yards and 20 touchdowns. Washington State are a 3.5-point favorite on the road and have won four of the past five games between these two teams.

Arizona vs Washington State:Date

The Washington State Cougarswill visitthe Arizona WildcatsinWeek 12of the2022 NCAA College Football Seasontoday, November 19at 2PM (ET). The game will be played at ArizonaStadium in Tucson.

Arizona vs Washington State: Time by State in the US

ET: 2PM
CT: 1PM
MT:12PM
PT: 11AM

How to watch Arizona vs Washington Statein the US

Arizona and Washington Stateface off inWeek 12of the2022 NCAA College FootballSeason. The game will be available to watch or live stream onfuboTV (7-day free trial)for the US.If you want to know all the channels, packages and plans offered by FuboTV, youcan click here.Another optionif you don’t want to miss the game in the United States is the Pac 12 Network.

The Bruins have only one loss after nine weeks, they lost to the Oregon Ducks 30-45 on the road, but after that game they won the last two games against Stanford and Arizona State.< /p>

The Wildcats haven’t won a game since October 1 against Colorado, after those victories they sank into a losing streak of four straight weeks most recently against the Utah Utes 20-45 on the road.

UCLA vs Arizona: Date

UCLA and Arizona play for a Week 11 game of the 2022 NCAA Division I College Football season today, November 12 at Rose Bowl in Pasadena . The visitors are unlikely to win this game, but the home team must show no weakness to anyone.

UCLA vs Arizona: Time by state in the US

ET: 10:30 PM
CT: 9:30 PM
MT: 8:30 PM
PT: 7:30 PM

TV Channel in the US to watch UCLA vs Arizona at the 2022 NCAA College Football Week 11

This game for the Week 11 of 2022 NCAA Division I College Football season, UCLA and Arizona at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena on Saturday, November 12, will be broadcast in the US by FuboTV (7-day free trial) and other options to watch this game in the US is FOX.

If you want to know all the channels, packages and plans offered by FuboTV, you can click here