Forward Solomon Hill (left) and Derrick Williams celebrate after beating Texas 70-69 in Tulsa. Photo by Peter G. Aiken-US PRESSWIRE
With another thrilling finish — thanks, Derrick Williams — and contributions from a host of players — thanks, Jordin Mayes, Solomon Hill, etc. — Arizona defeated Texas 70-69 in the third round of the NCAA Tournament.
The final 14.5 seconds were amazing.
Arizona forced a five-second violation as Texas tried to inbound the ball. Then, the Wildcats, trailing by two, ran a two-man play with Kyle Fogg and Derrick Williams. Fogg wasn’t open for a 3-pointer, so he bounced the ball to Williams, rolling to the basket.
“I’m a little surprised by the shot I made today,” Williams said at the postseason press conference.
Williams, with Texas forward Justin Hamilton cutting his legs out, flipped in the ball as he was fouled. Williams made the free throw for the 70-69 lead.
And then the Cats stopped a drive from J’Covan Brown in the final seconds … and time ran out amid the scrum for the ball.
A turnover, a three-point play and a defensive stop. The Wildcats needed all three to win in the final 14.5 seconds.
Derrick Williams celebrates after the ganme with Kevin Parrom (right) and MoMo Jones. Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images.
Kyryl Natyazhko is happy after the game. Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images.
This was the game-winning free throw. Photo by Peter G. Aiken-US PRESSWIRE
J'Covan Brown drove Arizona crazy with his drives to the basket, but he came up empty on the final possession. Photo by Mark D. Smith-US PRESSWIRE
Coach Sean Miller said in his postgame press conference that Solomon Hill played his best game as a Wildcat (16 points, eight rebounds). Photo by Mark D. Smith-US PRESSWIRE
Not a bad vertical for Kyryl Natyazhko. Photo by Peter G. Aiken-US PRESSWIRE