The Wildcats (30-7) are only here because of Williams – he had a game-saving block in the opening round against Memphis and the game-winning 3-point play against Texas in the Round of 32. His NBA stock will never be higher, meaning it’s now a lock he goes pro after this season. Duke actually led 44-38 at the break before Arizona took the game over with a 19-2 run that covered 4:11. Arizona is in the Elite Eight for the ninth time but first since 2005. The Wildcats are 4-4 in their previous eight games in this round.

If any player has come close to matching Williams’ play in this tournament it has been Connecticut’s Walker. After dominating the Big East Tournament, Walker hasn’t slowed down a bit. Walker scored 22 of his 36 points in the second half of Thursday’s 74-67 victory over second-seeded San Diego State. The Huskies (29-9) clearly like the West Region. They came out of the West in their runs to the 1999 and 2004 national titles, along with their trip to the 2009 Final Four.

This is the fifth meeting all-time between the schools, with UConn leading 4-0. But they haven’t met since 2005.

Madness would not be betting on the NCAA Tournament at Bodog!