Three Things Michigan Fans Should Know About Arizona Ahead of Final Four

A quick scouting report on Arizona ahead of Michigan’s Final Four matchup.

Mar 28, 2026; San Jose, CA, USA; Arizona Wildcats forward Ivan Kharchenkov (8) celebrates in the second half against the Purdue Boilermakers during an Elite Eight game of the West Regional of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at SAP Center. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-Imagn Images | Kyle Terada-Imagn Images

Widely regarded as the top teams in college basketball all season long, the Michigan Wolverines are set to take on the Arizona Wildcats in the Final Four of the NCAA Tournament.

The pair of one-seeds both spent time at No. 1 in the college basketball AP Poll, garnering high praise all season from fans and analysts. Now, the two squads prepare to match up for a chance to play for the National Championship.

Here are three things Michigan fans should know about the Wildcats ahead of Saturday’s game.

Mar 29, 2026; Chicago, IL, USA; Michigan Wolverines forward Yaxel Lendeborg (23) and center Aday Mara (15) react from the bench in the second half against the Tennessee Volunteers during an Elite Eight game of the Midwest Regional of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images | Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images

All Eyes on the Frontcourt Match Up

These are two teams that have size in their starting lineups, with Michigan’s three-headed monster of Yaxel Lendeborg, Morez Johnson Jr. and Aday Mara.

However, the Wildcats have the size to counter, led by star freshman forward Koa Peat and 7’2” big man Motiejus Krivas. The matchup between Krivas and Mara should be nothing short of entertaining.

"The frontcourt is why I love the matchup." @RaphealDavis3 previews @umichbball vs. Arizona ahead of Saturday’s Final Four 👇#B1GToday pic.twitter.com/pe9iBwfCBr

— Big Ten Men's Basketball (@B1GMBBall) March 31, 2026

Even the Wildcats' backcourt has size, with both of their starting guards standing at or above 6'3”.

This shows up in the stat sheet, as Arizona ranks second across NCAA Division I in rebounds per game (42.6) and defensive rebounds per game (29.8), while ranking fourth in rebounding margin (11.1).

Individually, Tobe Awaka and Krivas rank inside the top five in rebounds per game in the Big 12. 

Mar 22, 2026; San Diego, CA, USA; Arizona Wildcats forward Tobe Awaka (30) shoots against Utah State Aggies forward Karson Templin (22) in the first half during a second round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Viejas Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Michigan’s work on the boards has been a key to its success plenty of times this season, using its size in the frontcourt to its advantage. The Wolverines likely won’t find a huge rebounding advantage against the Wildcats, despite ranking inside the top 10 in the nation in rebounding margin and defensive rebounds per game.

Taking and Making Free Throws

Getting to the line has been a key to Arizona’s success all season, attempting 26.8 free throws per game and converting 19.7 per contest, both ranking top-three across the country. 

UofA’s backcourt leads the charge in the free-throw department, as Jaden Bradley has taken a team-high 182 free throws on the season, while his backcourt counterpart Brayden Burries ranks second at 165. Both guards are shooting over 80% from the charity stripe as the team's most consistent foul shooters.

Mar 26, 2026; San Jose, CA, USA; Arizona Wildcats guard Jaden Bradley (0) high-fives Arizona Wildcats forward Koa Peat (10) against the Arkansas Razorbacks in the second half during a Sweet Sixteen game of the West Regional of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at SAP Center. Mandatory Credit: Eakin Howard-Imagn Images | Eakin Howard-Imagn Images

If the Wolverines get in a situation where they need to foul, they need to target star freshman Koa Peat, who shoots 61.6% from the line, the worst among UofA starters.

Beyond-the-Arc Breakdown

Arizona does not shoot the ball from deep, ranking dead last in the Big 12 in three-point attempts per game (16). That number ranks 356th of 361 teams ranked in the nation. 

However, when the Wildcats do shoot from beyond the arc, they do so efficiently. On the season, they shoot the three-ball at a 36.7% clip.

If the Wolverines’ size can neutralize UofA in the point and force them to play from the perimeter, Michigan should put itself in a decent chance to punch its ticket to the National Championship.