Arizona’s Gabe York goes up against Ohio State’s D’Angelo Russell during the NCAA Tournament round of 32 game. (Getty)
Arizona is back in the NCAA Tournament for its 32nd appearance in 64 years. The Wildcats’ 80-52 win over Oregon gave them their first Pac-12 Championship since 2002 and an automatic bid to the Big Dance. Arizona easily defeated No. 15 Texas Southern in the round of 64 and then topped No. 10 Ohio State in the round of 32 to advance to the Sweet 16.
The Wildcats will face-off against No. 6 Xavier in the Sweet 16.
Since receiving a selection committee bid to the Big Dance, Xavier has bypassed No. 11 Ole Miss, 76-57, in the round of 64 and then knocked off No. 14 Georgia State to extend their season another week and advance to the Sweet 16 where they’ll meet Arizona.
Here’s what you need to know about the game:
The Basics
Who:
No. 2 Arizona vs. No. 6 Xavier
What:
NCAA Tournament Sweet 16
When:
Thursday, March 26
Where:
Staples Center in Los Angeles, California
Bracket Region:
West
Time:
10:17 p.m. Eastern
Channel:
TBS
Line:
Keep up with OddsShark and its betting-focused matchup preview.
Scouting Arizona
Record: 33-3 overall, 16-2 Pac-12
Coach: Sean Miller, 6th season
Offensive Points Per Game: 76.4
Defensive Points Allowed Per Game: 59.0
Scoring Leader: Stanley Johnson, 14.3
Rebounding Leader: Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, 6.9
Assists Leader: T.J. McConnell, 6.3
Scouting Xavier
Record: 23-13, 9-9 Big East
Coach: Chris Mack, 6th season
Offensive Points Per Game: 73.6
Defensive Points Allowed Per Game: 67.3
Scoring Leaders: Matt Stainbrook, 12.2
Rebounding Leader: Matt Stainbrook, 6.9
Assists Leader: Dee Davis, 6.1
