Coming from a conference that features eight members of the 64-team field, the No. 23 Arizona Wildcats have faced off against almost every type of team they might run into at the NCAA Tournament. Their first-round opponent, the Missouri Tigers, will be most like facing California—but with some added twists.
“I think their outside hitters are very similar to Cal,” Arizona coach Dave Rubio said. “Good, explosive kids. I think Cal’s middles are terrific and I think (Missouri) has two really good middles. The difference is that Cal’s middles stayed in front of the setter.