Arizona Eliminated from NCAA Tournament by Wichita St.

By Francisco Romero

It looked like another comebacker for the Arizona Wildcats in the second half against Wichita St., in the first round game of the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament.

This time the Wildcats fell to a gritty Wichita St. team by a score of 65-55.

Fred VanVleet scored 16 points, while Ron Baker added 13 for the Shockers.

Wichita St. forced 19 Wildcat turnovers during the game, which led to 22 points.

“When we watched them play both on film and against Vanderbilt, we knew we were in for a really difficult match-up. Their guards are terrific; two of, I think, the best that are playing college basketball. Their defense speaks for itself. From the statistics that we looked at, they’re the nation’s No. 1 defensive team,” said Arizona head coach Sean Miller after the game.

“They deny and they pressure and they’re very well-coached,” added Miller.

Their first round loss means it’s the end of college ball for Kaleb Tarczewzki and Gabe York, both played four years at the University of Arizona.

“Kaleb Tarczewski and Gabe York have a legacy at Arizona, a legacy of winning, tremendous people, great kids. And you know what, they led us as well as they possibly could this year, both as players and people,” said Miller.

York was not ready to end his career this way, “It’s definitely tough to have it all end this quickly. As seniors, I know myself and Kaleb both had more planned out for this season,” York told the media during the post-game press conference.

“My four years at Arizona have really shaped me into the person that I have become. I really owe it to everyone, all the great players that I’ve played along with, the coaches who have been like father figures to not only myself but the team,” said Tarczewski.

“I really want to say that I’m proud of this year’s team for all the adversity that we’ve gone through, everything that we’ve overcome. And when I look back on my four years at Arizona, I’m proud to say that I’ve worn the Arizona jersey and I’ve been a part of such a great program,” added Tarczewski during the press conference.

York finished the game with 10 points, while Tarczewski finished with 8 points and 10 rebounds.

Wichita St. will face Miami, the third seed in the South Region on Saturday.