NCAA BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT / WEST REGIONAL : Taller Wildcats Will Try to Stem the Tide

Two coaches who know the way to the NCAA tournament’s Sweet 16 will go head to head today.

Arizona, coached by Lute Olson, and Alabama, led by Wimp Sanderson, will play in a second-round game at Long Beach Arena after the Loyola Marymount-Michigan game. Tipoff will be at about 4:30.

Olson, whose team is seeded second in the West, has taken his Wildcats to the regional finals the last two years, reaching the Final Four in 1988. He also took Iowa to the Final Four in 1980.

In 10 seasons at Alabama, Sanderson has led the Crimson Tide to the Sweet 16 five times.

Arizona (25-6) advanced Friday with a 79-67 victory over South Florida, and the Tide (25-8) beat Colorado State, 71-54.

The key should be whether Arizona’s front line and balanced play can overcome Alabama’s rugged defense and rebounding. “Alabama will be the most physical team we’ve faced,” Olson said.

However, with 6-foot-9 Robert Horry and 6-8 David Benoit starting up front, the Tide gives up considerable height to Arizona’s 6-11 Brian Williams and 7-foot Ed Stokes, with 6-11 Sean Rooks coming off the bench.

Williams led Arizona Friday, making 12 of 15 shots and scoring 28 points.

Horry showed a long-range touch Friday, making six of eight three-point shots for 27 points. He, Benoit and forward Melvin Cheatum each blocked two shots as Alabama held the Rams to 22 first-half points. The Tide is holding opponents to 61.6 points a game and 40% shooting.

Arizona, which averages about 80 points, has made 50.4% of its shots. The Wildcats have held opponents to 39% accuracy.