en-us SportSpyder - The Latest Arizona Wildcats Basketball News https://sportspyder.com/mcb/arizona-wildcats-basketball/news Good news for Arizona basketball fans. Tommy Lloyd is staying in Tucson as the Wildcats' head coach, taking him out of the running for the UNC job. Fri, 03 Apr 2026 18:55:11 GMT Michelle Gardner https://sportspyder.com/mcb/arizona-wildcats-basketball/articles/56130582 https://sportspyder.com/mcb/arizona-wildcats-basketball/articles/56130582 false false As Arizona enters the Men’s Final Four for the first time since 2001, here is a look at the 1997 squad, known as the Cardiac Cats, that won the program’s first and only national championship. Fri, 03 Apr 2026 18:55:06 GMT Thomas Bonvehi https://sportspyder.com/mcb/arizona-wildcats-basketball/articles/56130580 https://sportspyder.com/mcb/arizona-wildcats-basketball/articles/56130580 false false The Tar Heels lose out big time. Fri, 03 Apr 2026 18:52:33 GMT Jeff Hauser https://sportspyder.com/mcb/arizona-wildcats-basketball/articles/56130556 https://sportspyder.com/mcb/arizona-wildcats-basketball/articles/56130556 false false If Braylon Mullins' game-winner to complete UConn's improbable comeback over Duke didn't excite you enough, then this should: Both Final Four spreads are expected to close under two points for the first time in over 60 years, setting up unbelievable theater Saturday night.UConn and Illinois will kick off the festivities in Indianapolis, while Arizona versus Michigan has the potential to be one of the best tournament games of all time. Michigan and Arizona respectively own the third- and fourth-highest KenPom ratings ever, creating a thrilling matchup with a trip to Monday's title game on the line. We've got you covered with a spread pick from each game and player props.👉 Who's earning a spot in the title game? Bet on it with theScore Bet here window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}});🏀 Pick: UConn +1.5 I'm done betting against Dan Hurley, who's undefeated against the spread in the Sweet 16 and onward. UConn's win in the Elite Eight demonstrated how much it wears opponents down over 40 minutes. After escaping Michigan State and Duke last weekend, the Huskies have a favorable matchup against Illinois.Not to take away anything from Illinois' run, but its last three wins came against VCU, Houston, and Iowa. That's not quite the gauntlet UConn has gone through. The Fighting Illini possess the nation's best offense, but the Huskies own a top-10 defensive unit. This game will come down to whether Illinois can successfully limit UConn's offensive attack, which I'm skeptical of.The Illini have mostly faced offenses - in conference play and the NCAA Tournament - that rely on guard creation and ball screens. But that's not how UConn operates. The Huskies' constant movement and off-ball screening make them incredibly difficult to guard, even though they don't have as much talent as previous squads. Illinois' personnel, mostly because of its size, isn't equipped to guard UConn's offense away from the ball. In a coin-flip game like this, it's also worth looking at the coaching matchup to find an edge. Hurley is in his third Final Four in four seasons and is undoubtedly the best coach in the sport. With nearly a week to prepare, he'll likely outcoach Brad Underwood, who's making his first Final Four appearance. - Oshtrywindow.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}});🏀 Pick: Michigan -1.5 These are the top two teams in KenPom's net rating metric this season, and they're both among the top five highest-rated teams in KenPom's history. So, this contest isn't just the game of the year; it's a historically good matchup that doesn't come around often.The biggest advantage in this game lies with Michigan, which is comfortable shooting from distance. Arizona, meanwhile, sits 338th in 3-point attempts per contest. The Wolverines have arguably the best defensive frontcourt in the country, averaging 6.1 blocks per game - the second-highest mark among D-I teams. It will be tough for the Wildcats to score inside, where they usually dominate. I foresee Michigan forcing them to play an unfamiliar style.The Wolverines are shooting an insane 45% from deep throughout the tournament, and I think that's where Saturday's game will be won. I'll pick Michigan to cover this small spread and head to the national championship. - Deeg👉 Bet on the NCAA Tournament with theScore Bet here 🏀 Pick: Alex Karaban over 12.5 points (-115) Alex Karaban's five-point outing in the Elite Eight almost sent UConn home, but that was a blip in what's otherwise been a solid tournament for the senior. Karaban scored at least 17 points in each of the first three tourney games. Even when he struggled against Duke, the volume existed, as he finished 2-of-10 from the field and 1-of-6 from three.I'd expect Karaban's efficiency to improve versus Illinois, given the advantageous matchup. The Huskies will use off-ball actions to drag the Illini bigs away from the basket and create mismatches for Karaban. Illinois prioritizes cutting off drives, often surrendering catch-and-shoot threes, so Karaban should have plenty of looks from deep. I trust the nearly 38% 3-point shooter to have a bounce-back game. - Oshtry🏀 Pick: Brayden Burries over 2.5 made threes (+135) Brayden Burries is the only Wildcat who's made at least 50 threes this season. At this point, everyone knows Arizona can't shoot and rarely even attempts threes. It would much rather bully opponents in the paint and on the offensive glass. Although Michigan has a stronger front line than most, the Wildcats' approach won't change. Th... Fri, 03 Apr 2026 18:36:29 GMT Sam Oshtry, Brenden Deeg https://sportspyder.com/mcb/arizona-wildcats-basketball/articles/56130350 https://sportspyder.com/mcb/arizona-wildcats-basketball/articles/56130350 false false Tommy Lloyd rejected an offer from North Carolina and will stay at Arizona. Fri, 03 Apr 2026 18:34:35 GMT Ryan Phillips https://sportspyder.com/mcb/arizona-wildcats-basketball/articles/56130323 https://sportspyder.com/mcb/arizona-wildcats-basketball/articles/56130323 false false The University of Arizona and head men’s basketball coach Tommy Lloyd have agreed to a contract extension that will continue his leadership of the Wildcats through the 2031 season, R. Ken Coit... The post first appeared on . Fri, 03 Apr 2026 18:31:45 GMT Sports360AZ https://sportspyder.com/mcb/arizona-wildcats-basketball/articles/56130292 https://sportspyder.com/mcb/arizona-wildcats-basketball/articles/56130292 false false Arizona Wildcats head coach Tommy Lloyd will not be going to North Carolina despite his name circulating in rumors for that job. One day before Arizona’s Final Four game against Michigan, Lloyd announced he is staying at Arizona. “I’m happy to announce I’m staying at Arizona,” Lloyd said. “We’ve been able to get some things … The post appeared first on . Fri, 03 Apr 2026 18:25:36 GMT Matt Wadleigh https://sportspyder.com/mcb/arizona-wildcats-basketball/articles/56130219 https://sportspyder.com/mcb/arizona-wildcats-basketball/articles/56130219 false false "I made a decision that my Michael Jordan is Steve Kerr, and I'm proud to be an Arizona Wildcat," Lloyd said Friday. Fri, 03 Apr 2026 18:22:22 GMT Joe Rexrode https://sportspyder.com/mcb/arizona-wildcats-basketball/articles/56130180 https://sportspyder.com/mcb/arizona-wildcats-basketball/articles/56130180 true false Anthony Dell'Orso discusses staying in the moment this week and more. Fri, 03 Apr 2026 18:21:29 GMT Jason Scheer https://sportspyder.com/mcb/arizona-wildcats-basketball/articles/56130166 https://sportspyder.com/mcb/arizona-wildcats-basketball/articles/56130166 true false Tommy Lloyd and Arizona have agreed to a contract extension. Read on for the latest. Fri, 03 Apr 2026 18:21:15 GMT Jason Scheer https://sportspyder.com/mcb/arizona-wildcats-basketball/articles/56130165 https://sportspyder.com/mcb/arizona-wildcats-basketball/articles/56130165 false false Arizona head coach Tommy Lloyd directly discussed the North Carolina head coaching job on Friday during his press conference at the Final Four. Fri, 03 Apr 2026 18:21:07 GMT Alan Rubenstein https://sportspyder.com/mcb/arizona-wildcats-basketball/articles/56130164 https://sportspyder.com/mcb/arizona-wildcats-basketball/articles/56130164 false false INDIANAPOLIS—Relax, Wildcat Nation. He’s not going anywhere. Arizona has announced a contract extension for men’s basketball coach Tommy Lloyd, locking him in through the 2030-31 season and putting an end to a 2-week saga where he was considered a top candidate for the opening at North Carolina. “I’m happy to announce I’m staying at Arizona,” […] Fri, 03 Apr 2026 18:16:39 GMT Brian Pedersen https://sportspyder.com/mcb/arizona-wildcats-basketball/articles/56130118 https://sportspyder.com/mcb/arizona-wildcats-basketball/articles/56130118 false false The Wildcats won't have to worry about losing their coach. Fri, 03 Apr 2026 18:13:23 GMT Jeff Hauser https://sportspyder.com/mcb/arizona-wildcats-basketball/articles/56130075 https://sportspyder.com/mcb/arizona-wildcats-basketball/articles/56130075 false false One of the Tar Heels' top coaching targets is off the board. Fri, 03 Apr 2026 18:13:18 GMT Daniel Mader https://sportspyder.com/mcb/arizona-wildcats-basketball/articles/56130073 https://sportspyder.com/mcb/arizona-wildcats-basketball/articles/56130073 false false