TUCSON, Ariz. (13 News) - Bars and restaurants along University Boulevard are preparing for a busy weekend as the Arizona Wildcats head into the opening round of the NCAA Tournament against LIU on Friday. Frog & Firkin owner Jonathan Graham said the energy on the block is already building.

With a No. 1 seed and a talented roster, Arizona hopes its 2026 squad can follow the path of the program’s historic 1997 championship team.

Who will be the first team in the mix for a No. 1 seed -- or the No. 1 overall seed -- to flinch?

Who is in our latest Field of 68? Here's a closer look at Sporting News' final March Madness bracket projections for the 2026 NCAA Tournament, including last four in and biggest snubs.

Arizona will head into the NCAA tournament with a nine-game winning streak after holding off Houston 79-74 in Saturday's Big 12 tournament final, avenging its loss to the Cougars in last season's conference title game.

Arizona beat Houston basketball in the 2026 men's Big 12 championship game. Check out updates, scores and highlights here: