The Memphis Tigers lost in heart-breaking fashion to Arizona in the first round of the NCAA tournament, 77-75. Memphis had several chances to win or tie the game in the final seconds, but was unable to come up with one last big play.
It was a game of runs through most of the second half, with Arizona moving ahead 48-40 early. But Memphis countered with a 13-point run to answer. The game remained close, and at the three-minute mark, it was tied at 68. Arizona got a three-pointer to go ahead 71-68, and Memphis could never get back to even in the final couple of minutes, though they closed to within one.
With Memphis down three with 7 seconds left, Arizona intentionally fouled Joe Jackson. Jackson made the first one, then intentionally missed the second. Wesley Witherspoon ended up with the ball, but his tying shot attempt was blocked by Derrick Williams with less than a second remaining. (Memphis fans will claim he was fouled, and television replays made that seem more than likely.)
Antonio Barton led Memphis with 17 points; Will Barton had 12; Witherspoon 10; and Jackson 10. Will Coleman had 9 points and 9 rebounds. Memphis ended its season with a 25-10 record.
