This is because, undoubtedly, several thousand Arizona basketball fans are already drawing up plans to drive or fly to Los Angeles for the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament now that the Wildcats have locked up a spot in the West Regional semifinals at the Staples Center.
Arizona (27-7) had no problems whatsoever with Harvard on Saturday, whooping those soon-to-be CEOs 74-51 in the third round in Salt Lake City. The victory puts the sixth-seeded Wildcats in line for a matchup against either Iowa State or Ohio State, who play Sunday.
Notable from today’s convincing victory: Mark Lyons, who had 27 points, became the first player in NCAA history to reach the Sweet 16 in back-to-back seasons, but with different schools. He made it in 2012 with Xavier before transferring thanks to the NCAA’s generous graduate student transfer rule.
Something else to prepare for: droves of T-shirt stands on every corner in Tucson. Get your knockoff gear now!
This article appears in Mar 21-27, 2013.
Arizona shot 60% from 3pt land. That will win you some games. Hill is 5 for 7 from behind the arc for the tourney. He must be getting the attention of the pro scouts. Great team effort Cats. Keep it up. Sixteen is sweet but eight is Great!
Believe the tip off time is 4:47, so there shouldn’t be too many slackers on Thursday.
If my work group works hard that day, they can leave at 4 – but only if they promise to watch the game.
Bear Down.