Eye On College Basketball Elite Eight Saturday REACTION! Arizona overpowers Purdue; Illinois runs away from Iowa + Tom Fornelli joins!
Mar 29, 2026
Tom Fornelli, Cover 3 pod host and college sports reporter, joins to praise Illinois’ surge to the Final Four. Arizona’s second-half takeover and Purdue’s collapse get broken down. Conversation hits Arizona’s style, recruiting and NBA prospects, plus Illinois’ defensive clamp and Brad Underwood’s coaching arc.
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Arizona Wins By Owning The Paint
- Arizona's strategy de-emphasizes threes and dominates via paint touches and offensive rebounding.
- They rank 363rd in 3PA share, rely on free throws and interior play, and sit top four in offense and first in defense.
Tommy Lloyd's Rapid Rise To Final Four Coach
- Tommy Lloyd's rise from Gonzaga assistant to Final Four coach came quickly after he took the Arizona job in 2021.
- In five years he won 148 games, multiple conference titles, and two National Coach of the Year honors.
Illinois Won By Clamping The Paint And Free Throws
- Illinois flipped the game with defensive lockdown in the second half, holding Iowa to one two-point field goal after halftime.
- They finished the half 23% from the floor and made 21 free throws at 86%, turning defense into points.