The first time this year the Wildcats misplaced their composure in the final minute with 43 seconds to go, UCLA’s Jordan Adams buried a three pointer, and Arizona launched a hurried (unnecessary) three point attempt lifting the Bruins to a 75-71 win over Arizona in the PAC-12 Championship game.
Both teams went scoreless for nearly three minutes before Adams hit the game-deciding bucket. Combined, the two teams missed five shots and committed three turnovers during that span.
The hammer finally fell in a close game as Arizona made just six of 16 free throws, something Coach Sean Miller has stressed throughout the season. Several of Arizona’s missed free throws were on the front end of one and one, which exacerbates the problem. UCLA on the other hand made 84% of it’s 25 attempts for 21 points.
Nick Johnson again led the Wildcats with 22 points and three spectacular blocks. Kaleb Tarczewski had 12 points, while Aaron Gordon and Gabe York each chipped in with 11 points apiece. High scorer for UCLA was no surprise, as Kyle Anderson scored 21 points.
The Bruins earned the automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament and certainly a higher seed with the win. Arizona will wait to see if it is still a number one seed when the selection committee makes their tournament announcement on Sunday at 3pm.