Cats Fall Short of Final Four in OT Against Wisconsin

Photo Credit: Arizona Athletics

It was not supposed to end the way it did.  Nick Johnson’s shot at the buzzer fell short and so did the Wildcats in their quest to reach the Final Four. Arizona lost to Wisconsin 64-53 in overtime. 

In so many other games this year Nick Johnson has been the answer for the Cats when needed, but such is the nature of the beast (NCAA Tournament) that anything can happen.

Nick Johnson has nothing to be ashamed of, as a matter of fact, he should be the National player of the year, he just happened to take a tough shot in a tough game against a tough Wisconsin team and that is what great players do.

The Badgers had an answer for everything the Wildcats did and vice-versa.  It was a great game; it was dramatic, a No. 1 seed facing a No. 2 seed. 

The way Arizona and Wisconsin played it could have been anybody’s game.

“We lost today to an excellent team,” said Arizona’s Head Coach Sean Miller after the game, “It was an incredible game,” he added. 

“Two great teams battling it out,” mentioned Nick Johnson during a post game press conference.

Arizona has now lost (4) Elite 8 games by 3 points or fewer. 

Johnson finished the game with 16 points as Arizona’s leading scorer, Kaleb Tarczewski added 12, while Aaron Gordon grabbed 18 rebounds.

For the Badgers Frank Kaminsky was “Mr. Do It All,” he scored 28 points at will with 11 rebounds, he scored 3 three pointers. 

“I’m extremely proud, it’s always about the players,” said Wisconsin’s Head Coach Bo Ryan after the game as he embarks in first Final Four.

Arizona finished the season with a record of 33 – 5, while Wisconsin’s record stands at 30 – 7.

Arizona’s Head Coach Sean Miller has yet to reach a Final Four as a head coach.  Miller’s brother and former Arizona coach, Archie was also eliminated from the NCAA Tournament as his Dayton Flyers lost to Florida 62-52.