By Miguel Mike Medina
Photo Credit: AP/Godofredo A. Vazquez
Arizona Wildcats are advancing to the Final Four for the first time since 2001 after defeating No. 2 Purdue Boilermakers, 79-64 on Saturday night.
The Wildcats dominated a veteran Boilermakers team in the second half. Arizona looked like a completely different team compared to its first-half performance. Purdue outplayed them in the first half. The Wildcats came out in the second half with more focus and urgency, outscoring the Boilermakers 48-26.
It took three freshman players and three starters from the Wildcats to lead them to victory. Brayden Burries, Ivan Kharchenkov, and Koa Peat combined for 52 points. Peat led the team with 20 points. Jaden Bradley contributed 14 points. Bradley is the Big 12 Player of the Year.
The Wildcats scored 15 points off turnovers. The Boilermakers had 10 costly turnovers and missed five of their free throws. Purdue had a great shooting from the perimeter in the first half. They knocked down seven 3-pointers but went cold with zero in the second half.
Rebounding is essential in a game. The Wildcats won the rebound battle 37-29. Their defensive rebounding became critical to the Wildcats’ success. Arizona was also effective in transition. The Wildcats scored 14 fastbreak points. Purdue only had three fastbreak points.
Boilermaker big man Oscar Cluff led the team with 14 points and 10 rebounds. Guard Braden Smith added 13 points. Forward Trey Kauffman-Kenn added 10 points. It’s a bittersweet end for the seniors Fletcher Loyer, Smith, and Kaufman-Renn, who played their last collegiate games at the Elite Eight.
The Wildcats suffered many disappointments in March. Coach Tommy Lloyd and the Wildcats are back in the championship hunt. It’s been a long time coming. Arizona will play the winner of Michigan/Tennessee. The Final Four is scheduled for April 4.
Miguel Mike Medina is the publisher of The MMM Journal. He can be reached at medinamiguelmike@gmail.com and themmmjournal@gmail.com
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