Pac-12 Post-mortem: Coaches, players weigh in on final conference tournament

LAS VEGAS – While teams battled it out for the automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament, the sentimental value of the final Pac-12 Tournament was just as prevalent among players and coaches in Vegas.

Arizona men’s basketball coach Tommy Lloyd acknowledged that the Pac-12 Tournament “means so much to people outside of our sphere.” (File photo by Nikash Nath/Cronkite News)

Care to dance? Arizona, GCU prepare for first round of NCAA men’s basketball tournament

PHOENIX – After watching their initial tournament fates be decided on Selection Sunday, the Arizona Wildcats and GCU Antelopes prepare for the madness of March on opposite ends of the tournament seeding spectrum.

Arizona freshman guard KJ Lewis is among the Wildcats excited to begin NCAA Tournament play. The team opens play against Long Beach State Thursday in Salt Lake City. (Photo by Dominic Contini/Cronkite News)

GCU men punch ticket into NCAA Tournament after winning WAC Championship bout over UT Arlington

PHOENIX – Grand Canyon University grinded out a victory in the WAC Championship game over UT Arlington, while earning a bid into the NCAA Tournament. This is the second-consecutive title and third in four years under coach Bryce Drew.


Top-seeded Arizona Wildcats stunned by Oregon Ducks in Pac-12 men’s tournament semifinals

LAS VEGAS – The Arizona men's basketball team squared off with Oregon Friday night in the semifinals of the Pac-12 Men's Basketball Tournament and lost 67-59, missing out on a possible three-peat.


Survive and advance: GCU outlasts Seattle, books WAC Championship spot against UT Arlington

LAS VEGAS – GCU outlasted Seattle University 80-72 in its WAC semifinal in Las Vegas through Grant-Foster’s heroics. UT Arlington awaits in the WAC Championship for a bid into the NCAA Tournament.


GCU women’s basketball upset in the WAC semifinals after Stephen F. Austin comeback in Las Vegas

LAS VEGAS – Grand Canyon University made an early exit from the WAC women’s tournament during its historic season, as the Lopes fell to Stephen F. Austin 66-63 at Orleans Arena in Las Vegas.


On the hunt: Revamped Arizona Rattlers return hungry for IFL title in 2024

MESA – After falling short of expectations last season, the Arizona Rattlers are poised for a championship redemption in the 2024 arena football campaign, backed by a determined roster and experienced coaching staff.

The Arizona Rattlers enter the 2024 season fueled by determination to make a return to championship contention with a blend of seasoned veterans and fresh talent. (Photo courtesy of Arizona Rattlers)

Arizona Pro Day draws in scouts, coaches from 31 NFL teams for final in-person evaluation of promising prospects

TUCSON – In front of scouts from 31 NFL teams (and two CFL teams), the University of Arizona’s draft prospects gave scouts one last look at their skills and abilities before the draft in April.

Maricopa native Jacob Cowing showcases his speed and skills during receiver drills Thursday at Arizona's Pro Day. (Photo by John Busker/Cronkite News)

Arizona Cardinals sign six free agents with defensive upgrade a priority

TEMPE – The Arizona Cardinals signed six free agents to their roster Thursday. For each player, the new culture and opportunities give hope for next season.

Defensive tackle Bilal Nichols talks to the media Thursday after signing a three-year deal with the Arizona Cardinals. (Photo by Aaron Decker/Cronkite News)

Making the madness: An inside look at the NCAA’s tournament bracket-building

PHOENIX – On Feb. 21, members of Cronkite News participated in a mock NCAA men’s basketball tournament selection committee ahead of the Final Four in Phoenix. Members of the mock committee learned what it takes to make the bracket every March.

The NCAA Basketball Tournament Selection Committee meets in New York ahead of Selection Sunday to begin the process of selecting and seeding the field of 68 teams. (Photo by Drew Angerer/Getty Images)

Oumar Ballo, Arizona Wildcats cruise past USC to Pac-12 Tournament Semifinals

LAS VEGAS – No. 1 Arizona avenged its previous loss to No. 9 USC in a 70-49 victory in the Pac-12 Men’s Tournament Quarterfinals in Las Vegas. Coach Tommy Lloyd praised his bench and center Oumar Ballo, but emphasized the Wildcats aren’t looking too far ahead yet.

Arizona freshman guard KJ Lewis celebrates after making a layup while being fouled in the Wildcats' 70-49 win Thursday against USC in the 2024 Pac-12 Tournament Quarterfinals at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Dominic Contini/Cronkite News)

ASU men’s basketball loses big to Utah in Pac-12 conference era finale

LAS VEGAS — In a season of highs and lows leading to the final Pac-12 tournament ASU men’s basketball had the heavy task of winning with a chance at the NCAA tournament and keeping their overall season alive.

Arizona State head coach Bobby Hurley evaluates his teams offense in a first-round matchup against Utah in the 2024 Pac-12 Tournament at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Dominic Contini/Cronkite News)