#1 Arizona vs. #16 Long Island University Prediction, Odds, & How to Watch: March Madness® 2026
#1 Arizona and #16 Long Island University (LIU) collide at Viejas Arena for a West Region matchup with plenty on the line. Here are details, our prediction, and how to watch with Sling TV.
The No. 1 seed Arizona Wildcats enter March Madness® as a dominant force after capturing the Big 12 regular-season and tournament titles, bolstered by a record-breaking 23-0 start. They face a No. 16 seed LIU Sharks squad making its first NCAA Tournament appearance of the "Sharks" era after storming through the NEC tournament. While Arizona represents a national title contender with elite interior play, LIU enters with a veteran roster and a top-50 national steal rate, looking to stage a historic David vs. Goliath upset in San Diego.
To Watch the Wildcats vs. Sharks First Round game with Sling, use the link below for a 1 Day Pass subscription to TNT or a monthly subscription to Sling Orange or Blue.
Arizona Wildcats Analysis
- Season Overview: Arizona (32-2) completed a historic season, winning their first Big 12 regular-season title and the tournament championship over Houston. They lead the West Region with a top-five ranking in both offensive and defensive efficiency.
- Star Player: Jaden Bradley (G). Arizona’s veteran floor general is a senior point guard who serves as a defensive anchor and clutch scorer.
- The X-Factor: Brayden Burries (G). Regarded as Arizona's best pro prospect, the former five-star recruit is averaging 15.9 points and is considered the X-factor for the team's national title hopes.
Long Island University Sharks Analysis
- Season Overview: The Sharks (24-10) secured their spot by winning the NEC regular-season and tournament titles, posting their first 20-win season since 2017.
- Star Player: Greg Gordon (G). A two‑way standout who led LIU in the NEC championship game, earning tournament honors after a big scoring performance.
- The Upset Formula: Defensive Pressure. LIU sits top 50 nationally in steal rate and forces over 13 turnovers per game using an aggressive man-to-man style that switches everything.
Key Matchup & Advanced Analytics
- Position Battle: Interior Dominance vs. Defensive Agility. Arizona’s elite frontcourt, led by freshman Koa Peat and Tobe Awaka (a top offensive rebounder), will test an athletic but undersized LIU rotation that stands primarily between 6-foot-4 and 6-foot-8.
- Statistical Edge: LIU is highly effective at limiting three-point attempts, ranking 21st nationally in opponent three-point attempt rate. This could exploit Arizona's own lack of volume from deep as bottom tier nationally in three‑point attempt rate.
- Betting Trends: Arizona’s opening 29.5-point spread quickly shifted to 31.5 points at some sportsbooks, the largest spread for an Arizona tournament game in three decades.
Final Prediction & Betting Pick
- The Verdict: Arizona Wildcats.
- Final Score Prediction: Arizona 92, LIU 60.
- Best Bet: Arizona -31.5.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who is the favorite in the game between Wildcats vs Sharks? Arizona is a massive 29.5 to 31.5-point favorite.
- Where can I stream the 2026 NCAA Tournament? Stream the entire Men's Tournament by subscribing to Sling Blue and watch CBS games at the NCAA website.
- What time is the Arizona game? Tip-off is at 1:35 PM ET (10:35 AM PT) on Friday, March 20.
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