The season is finally over for the Arizona Wildcats. So much hope, so much potential, and it ends with a humiliating loss in the first round of the NIT to the Bucknell Bison. Simply put, the Bison wanted the game more than the UA and dominated nearly every area of the game. Most felt the Wildcats would be unmotivated heading into the contest after losing a heartbreaker to Colorado over the weekend and that proved to be the theme of the game.
Sean Miller preached all week that this final tournament was for seniors Kyle Fogg, Jesse Perry and Brendon Lavender. Perry was torn apart defensively, although he did score 14 points, but Fogg and Lavender combined for just five points on 2-for-10 shooting.
Solomon Hill continued his strong play with 17 points and 10 rebounds, while freshman Angelo Chol impacted both ends of the court in limited playing time.
Mike Muscala dominated the Wildcats throughout the evening and the lanky forward finished with 20 points and nine rebounds despite fouling out with nearly four minutes left in the game. Junior guard Bryson Johnson hit four of his seven attempts from behind the arc as he scored 14 on the night. Cameron Ayers ended with a double-double, scoring 12 points and bringing down 10 rebounds.
Best of luck to Bucknell going forward in the NIT.
As for the Wildcats, we'll see you next October.
Bear Down.