Derrick Williams is a stud known for his smooth and versatile offense. He put up 22 points and grabbed 10 rebounds in Arizona's 77-75 win over the Memphis Tigers in the first (second) round of NCAA Tournament play. Williams, not known as a defensive player, blocked a potential game-tying shot at the end of today's game.
Williams was knocked for his poor defensive rotations by former Arizona Wildcat guard and Phoenix Suns GM Steve Kerr, who was the color analyst for the CBS broadcast of the game. On several occasions the speedy Memphis guards were able to get past their defender and found the paint completely unguarded by either Williams or any of his teammates.
But when it came down to crunch time, the Pac-10 Player of the Year stepped up again. He hit a huge three-point shot to give Arizona the lead with 3:48 to go. Then in the final seconds, after Memphis intentionally missed a free throw and grabbed the offensive rebound with a chance to tie the game, Williams blocked the shot attempt from Wesley Witherspoon which essentially sealed the victory for Arizona.
This isn't the first time this season Williams has come up with a crucial last-second block. In a game against Washington this season, Williams blocked Darnell Gant's shot attempt with .2 seconds to go. Arizona won that game 87-86.
Videos of Williams block today against Memphis and the one from Washington early this season are posted below.
Williams block against Memphis:
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Williams block against Washington: