Arkansas
Arizona vs Arkansas prediction, analysis, Sweet 16 expert picks for men’s March Madness
The men’s 2026 NCAA Tournament continues with Sweet 16 action Thursday as No. 1 Arizona and No. 4 Arkansas battle for a spot in the Elite Eight.
USA TODAY Sports’ college basketball experts have analyzed all the angles and determined a path to victory for each side. Here’s everything you need to know — including how to watch, betting odds and analysis — before the Sweet 16 matchup tips off.
Stay up to date with USA TODAY’s team of journalists covering the men’s NCAA Tournament throughout the 68-team dance.
Arizona will win Sweet 16 game vs Arkansas if…
- John Leuzzi: Arizona limits Darius Acuff. It’s much easier said than done but Acuff has taken over down the stretch the last two games for the Razorbacks.
- Jordan Mendoza: Arizona doesn’t let off the gas pedal.
- Ehsan Kassim: The defense can find a way to limit Acuff.
- Austin Curtright: Arizona limits Darius Acuff Jr.
Arkansas will win Sweet 16 game vs Arizona if…
- John Leuzzi: Darius Acuff is able to play his game and dominate. The Razorbacks will need to show off their depth.
- Jordan Mendoza: Darius Acuff takes over in a close game.
- Ehsan Kassim: Acuff continues to be the best player on the court.
- Austin Curtright: Darius Acuff Jr. takes over.
Arizona vs Arkansas: 1 Stat to watch
- John Leuzzi: Foul trouble for both teams.
- Jordan Mendoza: Impact from the guards.
- Ehsan Kassim: Darius Acuff’s shooting percentage and points.
- Austin Curtright: Darius Acuff Jr. is playing like the best player in college basketball in recent weeks and has scored 30 or more points in three of Arkansas’ last five games, including a 36-point performance in the Razorbacks’ win over High Point in the second round.
Arizona vs Arkansas Sweet 16 prediction
- John Leuzzi: Arizona
- Jordan Mendoza: Arizona
- Ehsan Kassim: Arkansas
- Austin Curtright: Arizona
1 Arizona vs 4 Arkansas
- Opening Moneyline: Arizona (-400), Arkansas (+311)
- Opening Spread: Arizona (-9.5)
- Opening Total: 165.5
Sweet 16 picks, predictions and odds
How to Watch Arizona vs Arkansas in the Sweet 16
No. 1 Arizona takes on No. 4 Arkansas at SAP Center on March 26 at 9:45 PM The game is airing on CBS.
Stream March Madness on Fubo
2026 Men’s March Madness full schedule
See the schedule, live scores and results for all of the NCAA Tournament action here.
- March 17-18: First Four
- March 19-20: First Round
- March 21-22: Second Round
- March 26-27: Sweet 16
- March 28-29: Elite 8
- April 4: Final Four
- April 6: National Championship
Alabama softball ace Jocelyn Briski is prepared for opportunity vs UCLA in WCWS
Alabama softball ace Jocelyn Briski is prepared for the Crimson Tide’s opportunity vs. UCLA at the Women’s College World Series.
It’s win or go home for half of the Women’s College World Series field on Friday, May 29.
In the nightcap of the WCWS elimination games is No. 8 UCLA vs. No. 5 Arkansas, two teams that suffered come-from-behind wins on May 28 by Alabama and Nebraska, respectively. The Bruins couldn’t take advantage of back-to-back home runs against Jocelyn Briski in the third, eventually falling 6-3 to the top-seeded Crimson Tide.
Watch UCLA vs Arkansas softball live with Fubo (free trial)
The Razorbacks’ loss was arguably more painful (or, at least, took longer). Arkansas twice led against Nebraska and USA Softball Player of the Year Jordy Frahm, but was unable to maintain either lead before Ava Kuszak walked the Razorbacks off in the bottom of the 10th inning in the 5-3 defeat.
Now the Bruins and Razorbacks both must gear up for a second game in as many days, with their WCWS hopes on the line. Here’s how to watch as UCLA takes on Arkansas in a pivotal win-or-go-home game:
What TV channel is UCLA vs Arkansas softball on today?
ESPN will broadcast Friday’s elimination game between UCLA and Arkansas. Streaming options for the game include the ESPN app (with a TV login) and Fubo, which carries the ESPN family of networks and offers a free trial to new subscribers.
Stream WCWS games live with Fubo (free trial)
UCLA vs Arkansas softball time today
- Date: Friday, May 29
- Time: 9:30 p.m. ET | 8:30 p.m. CT
- Location: Devon Park (Oklahoma City)
First pitch for UCLA vs. Arkansas is set for 9:30 p.m. ET on May 29 from Devon Park in Oklahoma City.
WCWS bracket, schedule 2026
All times Eastern
Thursday, May 28
- Game 1: No. 11 Texas Tech 8, Mississippi State 0 (5 innings) (RECAP)
- Game 2: No. 7 Tennessee 6, No. 2 Texas 3 (RECAP)
- Game 3: No. 1 Alabama 6, No. 8 UCLA 3 (RECAP)
- Game 4: No. 4 Nebraska 5, No. 5 Arkansas 3 (10 innings) vs. (RECAP)
Friday, May 29
- Game 5: Mississippi State vs. No. 2 Texas | 7 p.m. | ESPN (Fubo)
-
Game 6: No. 8 UCLA vs. No. 5 Arkansas | 9:30 p.m. | ESPN (Fubo)
Saturday, May 30
- Game 7: No. 11 Texas Tech vs. No. 7 Tennessee | 3 p.m. | ABC (Fubo)
- Game 8: No. 4 Nebraska vs. No. 1 Alabama 7 p.m. | ESPN (Fubo)
Sunday, May 31
- Game 9: 3 p.m. | ABC (Fubo)
- Game 10: 7 p.m. | ESPN2 (Fubo)
Monday, June 1
- Game 11: Noon | ESPN (Fubo)
- Game 12 (if necessary): 2:30 p.m. | ESPN (Fubo)
- Game 13: 7 p.m. | ESPN2 (Fubo)
- Game 14 (if necessary): 9:30 p.m. | ESPN2 (Fubo)
Wednesday, June 3
- WCWS finals Game 1: 8 p.m. | ESPN (Fubo)
Thursday, June 4
- WCWS finals Game 2: 8 p.m. | ESPN (Fubo)
Friday, June 5
- WCWS finals Game 3 (if necessary): 8 p.m. | ESPN (Fubo)
Arkansas
Dave Van Horn press conference: Arkansas baseball coach, players preview NCAA Lawrence Regional | Whole Hog Sports
Hunter Yurachek is “extremely concerned and displeased” about the late kickoff.
(Michael Woods | AP) Hunter Yurachek, Arkansas vice chancellor and director of athletics, speaks during a news conference, Wednesday, April 10, 2024, in Fayetteville, Ark.
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