The Sweet 16 is this week and there’s plenty to look forward to for Tucsonans interested in watching.
Besides the Arizona Wildcats, there’s a few connections to the UA and Southern Arizona — and the Big 12, Arizona’s new conference.
Here’s a viewing guide for Tucsonans and UA fans interested in watching basketball all afternoon and evening on Thursday and Friday (game spreads are via ESPN Bet).
No. 6 BYU (26-9) vs.
No. 2 Alabama (27-8)
Alabama athletic director Greg Byrne cheers on the Crimson Tide during the first half of matchup between Alabama and Tennessee on March 2, 2024, in Tuscaloosa, Alabama.
Region: East
Where: Newark, New Jersey (Prudential Center)
When, TV channel: 4:09 p.m. Thursday, CBS
Spread: Alabama -5.5
The rundown: Alabama Crimson Tide athletic director Greg Byrne held the same role at Arizona for nearly seven years before heading to the SEC version of the UA in 2017. Alabama has four Sweet 16 appearances during Byrne’s tenure. Byrne is also on the selection committee for the NCAA Tournament.
Alabama head coach Nate Oats led 13th-seeded Buffalo to a win over fourth-seeded Arizona in the first round of the 2018 NCAA Tournament in Buffalo. Oats has a 144-62 record at Alabama.
BYU, Arizona’s conference foe in the Big 12, is one of the hottest teams in college basketball, winning 11 out of the last 12 games.
No. 4 Arizona (23-12) vs. No. 1 Duke (33-3)
Arizona guard Caleb Love, right, is defended by Duke guard Tyrese Proctor in the second half during a game at McKale Center on Nov. 22, 2024.
Region: East
Where: Newark, New Jersey (Prudential Center)
When, TV channel: 6:39 p.m. Thursday, CBS
Spread: Duke -9.5
The rundown: The highly anticipated rematch between Arizona and Duke will feature two teams that are more experienced and seasoned compared to the battle at McKale Center in November. Duke’s freshman bunch, led by potential top draft pick Cooper Flagg, have matured throughout the season despite playing in the wobbly ACC, which doesn’t have any other team still alive in the NCAA Tournament.
On the other hand, Arizona played in arguably the toughest conference in college basketball, which makes up a quarter of the Sweet 16. Arizona forwards Henri Veesaar and Carter Bryant combined for eight points in 33 minutes in the loss to Duke in November. Since then, both have blossomed into prominent role players for the Wildcats. Preseason All-American guard Caleb Love has evolved into an all-around guard offensively and defensively for Arizona.
Arizona could party like it’s 2011 and beat Duke to advance to the Elite Eight or drop its fourth straight Sweet 16 game.
No. 10 Arkansas (22-13) vs. No. 3 Texas Tech (27-8)
Arizona guard KJ Lewis (5) attempts a scoop under Texas Tech forward JT Toppin (15) in their Big 12 game in Tucson on Feb. 8, 2025.
Region: West
Where: San Francisco (Chase Center)
When, TV channel: 7:09 p.m. Thursday, TBS/truTV
Spread: Texas Tech -5.5
The rundown: Arizona’s Big 12 brethren will have to face the John Calipari-coached Razorbacks, which just upset No. 2-seeded St. John’s last week. Texas Tech senior guard and Bay Area native Chance McMillian is questionable with an upper-body injury, but is expected to play. The Red Raiders are led by Big 12 Player of the Year in JT Toppin, who had 25 points and 12 rebounds in TTU’s win over Drake in the second round.
No. 3 Kentucky (24-11) vs. No. 2 Tennessee (29-7)
Tennessee guard Jordan Gainey shoots a three-pointer against Texas A&M during the second half Feb. 22, 2025, in College Station, Texas.
Region: Midwest
Where: Indianapolis (Lucas Oil Stadium)
When, TV channel: 4:39 p.m. Friday, TBS/truTV
Spread: Tennessee -4.5
The rundown: Kentucky made a run to the Sweet 16 in head coach Mark Pope’s first season. It’s the first time Kentucky made it to the Sweet 16 since the pre-COVID days in 2019. Kentucky had former Arizona point guard Kerr Kriisa until he suffered a season-ending foot injury. Tennessee guard Chaz Lanier, who averaged nearly 25 points in the first two tournament games, shot a combined 8 for 27 (29%) from the field and 3 for 17 (17%) from 3-point range in the Vols’ two losses to Kentucky earlier this season.
The Volunteers also have senior guard and former Salpointe Catholic Lancer Jordan Gainey, who is averaging 11.3 points, 3.3 rebounds and 1.9 assists per game off the bench. Gainey, the son of Tennessee assistant coach and former Sean Miller-era assistant Justin Gainey, went to South Carolina Upstate after leading Salpointe Catholic to its first Class 4A state championship in 2020. Following two seasons at USC Upstate, Gainey emerged as a rotational player for the Vols and earned All-SEC Tournament Team honors this year.
No. 4 Purdue (24-11) vs. No. 1 Houston (32-4)
Houston players celebrate after beating Arizona for the championship in the Big 12 Tournament, Saturday, March 15, 2025, in Kansas City, Mo.
Region: Midwest
Where: Indianapolis (Lucas Oil Stadium)
When, TV channel: 7:09 p.m. Friday, TBS/truTV
Spread: Houston -4.5
The rundown: Purdue is playing in its sixth Sweet 16 game in eight seasons — and it’ll be right in its backyard. Purdue’s campus is an hour-long car ride away from Indianapolis. Houston? Try 15 hours. Not so much of a home crowd for the top-seeded Cougars, but Houston is riding the hot hand entering this game. Houston is two points away from being winners of 29 straight games — and three of Houston’s losses this season went into overtime. Kelvin Sampson’s club is experienced, tough and knows how to win games. Even in front of a home crowd, Purdue will have its hands full against the Big 12 champion.
