NCAA Sweet 16: Arkansas vs Arizona Preview, Odds, Predictions (March 26)

• The Razorbacks dispatched High Point in the second round.
• The Wildcats took down Utah State in the Round of 32.
• This marks the ninth all-time meeting between the two programs.

The March 26 schedule is loaded with plenty of Sweet 16 tournament matchups as the Arizona Wildcats take on the Arkansas Razorbacks in the 2026 NCAA Tournament. The former shines as the solid favorite, displaying the high quality both teams possess as they aspire to reach the Elite Eight.

How to Watch

• When: Thursday, March 26, 9:45 pm ET
• Where: SAP Center at San Jose, San Jose, California
• How to Watch: CBS

NCAA Matchup Odds & Lines

Game Preview

The Razorbacks (28-8) have great momentum in March Madness, blowing out Hawai’i in the Round of 64 and taking down Cinderella hopefuls High Point in the second round. Darius Acuff Jr. dominated as he finished with 36 points, the most by a Razorback in an NCAA Tournament game. He was 11-of-13 at the line and the 11 freebies tie for the third-most by a Hog in an NCAA Tourney game. Malique Ewin, who posted his second straight double-double and third in a four-game span, had 14 points and 12 rebounds with four blocked shots and three assists. His four rejections tie for the second-most by a Hog in an NCAA Tourney game. Meleek Thomas scored 19 points that was fueled by 3-of-5 shooting from 3-point range, scoring 10 of his 19 in the first half. Billy Richmond III chipped in his first career double-double of his own with 15 points on 6-of-9 shooting with 10 rebounds.

The Wildcats (34-2) build their case as a national championship contender, torching Long Island in the Round of 64 and beating up Utah State in the following round. Jaden Bradley delivered again as Arizona’s late-game closer, scoring 18 points (12 after halftime) and hitting back-to-back paint jumpers to stall Utah State’s rally. Motiejus Krivas owned the glass with a double-double (11 points, 14 rebounds). Koa Peat posted 14 points and 10 rebounds, and Brayden Burries added 16 points on 3-for-3 from deep while grabbing nine boards.

Arkansas vs Arizona Head-to-Head

The two programs have had eight meetings in their history, and the result is 6-2 for the Razorbacks. The last matchup was in November 1995 when Arizona secured an 83-73 win on the road.

Arkansas vs Arizona Predictions

The winner of this matchup will take on the victors between Texas and Purdue in the Elite Eight. Both squads have incredible talents that can lead them to victory, especially with Arkansas having scoring sensation Darius Acuff Jr. on their side. However, Arizona might have the better balance and defense with Jaden Bradley, Brayden Burries and Koa Peat possibly making big plays down the stretch to shut down Arkansas’ tournament run. Our betting pick here is for the Wildcats to defend an 8-point spread.

• Free NCAAB pick: Arizona Wildcats -8