After an exciting first two rounds of action, we move on to the next phase in the 2025-2026 NCAA Tournament. Things are about to seriously heat up as the field has been whittled down to 16 teams. Here is a preview for the matchups between Arizona vs. Arkansas and Texas vs. Purdue. Check out the NCAA Tournament Sweet 16 picks for the West Region.
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NCAA Tournament Sweet 16 Preview: West Region
(Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook)
Arizona Wildcats vs. Arkansas Razorbacks
Arkansas enters the Sweet 16 for the fourth time in five years, and second in two seasons under head coach John Calipari. The Razorbacks rank #1 in field goals made, and #2 in points per game. Arkansas also boasts a #10 ranking in regards to offensive efficiency. The Razorback are averaging 95.5 points per game on 52.5% shooting from the field through the first two rounds of tournament play.
Darius Acuff Jr. has scored 60 points in the previous two rounds on 48.7 shooting from the field, 45% from beyond the arc, and 92.3% from the stripe. Acuff's performances have been nothing short of sensational. If Arizona is going to advance any further, they will have to prioritize making things as difficult for Acuff as possible for 40 minutes. While that statement falls firmly within easier said than done, Arizona's defense just may be up to the the task.
The Wildcats have seemingly sailed through the early stages of the tournament. Arizona owns a winning margin of +56 against their first two opponents, and are conceding a thin 62 points on 35% shooting from the field, and 27.5% from above the perimeter. Granted the competition for the Razorbacks has been much more formidable, yet that doesn't take away from the incredible defensive prowess Arizona has shown so far.
Arizona appears to have the defensive edge on paper going into this contest. The Wildcats have the advantage in size, athleticism and defensive efficiency. Opponents are only hitting 43.8% of their two-point attempts and 39.2% overall against the Wildcats. Arizona also is a dominate force on the boards - ranking third in defensive rebounds (29.8). The Wildcats hold their own on the offensive side of the ball, as well. Arizona is 10th in field-goal percentage (50.2%) and 13th in points per game (86.1) .
The Wildcats are 8.5 point favorites going onto this contest, with a projected team total of 88 points. While the team total seems par for the course, the -8.5 is not anywhere near indicative of how Arkansas has fared so far in the tournament. The Razorbacks are dropping almost 96 points per game, and Acuff Jr. is easily the most electric player in the entire Sweet 16. Arkansas has shown they have the fight to upset the #1 seed. In what should be an epic battle, the +8.5 points for Arkansas could be an angle to pounce on.
Pick: Arkansas +8.5 (-115)
Texas Longhorns vs. Purdue Boilermakers
Texas looked strong in their second round matchup against a #3-seed Gonzaga team that was heavily favorited. The offense for Texas was led by Matas Vokietaitis, and Jordan Pope, who each scored 17 points. Pope knocked down three baskets from beyond the arc against Gonzaga, one of only three players to have a successful attempt from three-point range. It's imperative for Texas to be much more aggressive from above the perimeter if they want to advance to the next round.
Purdue's path to the Sweet 16 came at the expense of of a Miami University team that played a remarkable first half. Yet, in the end Purdue found their shooting stroke and clamped down on defense, which lead to a 10-point victory. Purdue made 53% of their field-goal attempts, including 57% from beyond the arc on 14 shots. The Boilermakers have are shooting 57.5% from above the perimeter on 38 attempts through the tournament.
Texas started out as a First Four team and now has the opportunity to make it to the Elite 8. Having said that, this is an extremely difficult matchup for the Longhorns. Purdue ranks 33rd in the nation in points per game (82.2) , and lead the country in assists. The Boilermakers sit ninth amongst the competition in effective field goal percentage 58.2%, and eight overall in shooting efficiency.
The largest disparity between the two teams is three-point shooting. Purdue owns the eight-highest three-point percentage. The Boilermakers hit 38% of the 24.2 shots attempted from deep. Whereas, Texas puts up 20.6 three-pointers each contest, and connect on 34.8%.
Purdue is a 7.5-point favorite going into this contest, and that sounds about right. The Over is slightly juiced-up to -112, which means early indicators suggest points should be a plenty. Although 149 points does seem a tad ambitious, given the fact four out of the five games played between the two teams this tournament have fallen under that. Nevertheless, Texas will most certainly have to limit Purdue's success from three-point distance if they want to keep this close.
Pick: Over 148.5 Points (-112)
Best of luck with your picks!
