The Arizona men’s basketball team is hoping to find some rhythm heading into the NCAA Tournament. (Getty)
It’s been a bit mad for the Wildcats already this season. And we’re only juts into March.
Expectations were sky-high for Arizona heading into this year and while the ‘Cats have proved themselves on the hardwood several time, the squad has faced its fair share of ups and downs as well in a Pac-12 that has been nothing short of hectic this year.
Now, the team is looking for some consistency. In March. In the NCAA Tournament. Starting with an opening round matchup against the winner of the First Four game between Vanderbilt and Wichita State.
It won’t be easy, but neither has this season. Here’s a look at the matchup and game details.
REGION: South
DATE: Thursday, March 17
TIME: 9:15 p.m. ET
TV CHANNEL: TNT
POINT SPREAD: TBD. Click here for more March Madness betting info from Heavy’s partners at OddsShark.
UP NEXT: The winner will play either third-seeded Miami or 14th-seeded Buffalo in the Round of 32 on Saturday, March 19.
Arizona at a Glance
RECORD: 25-8 (12-6)
LOCATION: Tuscon, Arizona
CONFERENCE: Pac-12
COACH: Sean Miller
PLAYERS TO WATCH: Ryan Anderson, Sr., Forward (15.5 PPG, 0.78 APG, 10.1 RPG, .547 FG%, .286 3PT%); Gabe York, Sr., Guard (15.2 PPG, 2.3 APG, 3.3 RPG, .424 FG%, .425 3PT %); Allonzo Trier, Fr., Guard (15.0 PPG, 1.15 APG, 3.3 RPG, .472 FG%, .365 3PT%).
Vanderbilt at a Glance
RECORD: 19-13 (11-7)
LOCATION: Nashville, Tennessee
CONFERENCE: SEC
COACH: Kevin Stallings
PLAYERS TO WATCH: Wade Baldwin IV, So., Guard (14.3 PPG, 5.21 APG, 4.0 RPG, .430FG%, .414 3PT%); Damian Jones, Jr., Center (14.2 PPG, 6.9 RPG, .595 FG%).
Wichita State at a Glance
RECORD: 24-8 (16-2 MVC)
LOCATION: Wichita, Kansas
CONFERENCE: Missouri Valley Conference
COACH: Greg Marshall
PLAYERS TO WATCH: Ron Baker, R-Sr., Guard (14.2 PPG, 3.18 APG, 4.8 RPG, .431 FG% .358 3PT%); Fred Vanvleet, Sr., Guard (12 PPG, 4.96 APG, 3.1 RPG, .392 FG%, .412 3PT %).