Photos: 30 years of tears and one big party
- Updated
Beginning in 1985, the Arizona Wildcats basketball team has gone to the NCAA Tournament 31 times — missing 2010 and 2012. See a photo from their final game each year. The team also went to the tournament in 1951, 1976 and 1977, but these are not pictured.
30 years of tears and one big party
- Elizabeth Mangelsdorf / Arizona Daily Star
- Updated
1987 v UTEP: University of Arizona basketball players Bruce Fraser, Steve Kerr and Tom Tolbert react as the Wildcats lose the game to UTEP in overtime on March 13, 1987. Elizabeth Mangelsdorf / Arizona Daily Star
30 years of tears and one big party
- Elizabeth Mangelsdorf / Arizona Daily Star
- Updated
1988 v Oklahoma: University of Arizona basketball player Jud Buechler holds his head up while with teammate Matt Muehlebach during the team’s loss against Oklahoma on April 2, 1988. Elizabeth Mangelsdorf / Arizona Daily Star
30 years of tears and one big party
- David Sanders/Arizona Daily Star
- Updated
1993 v Santa Clara: University of Arizona basketball player Khalid Reeves comes up with a loose ball during the Wildcats games against Santa Clara in the first round of the 1993 NCAA tournament. The Cats were upset losing to Santa Clara 64-61. Photo by David Sanders/Arizona Daily Star
30 years of tears and one big party
- AP Photo/Bob Jordan
- Updated
1996 v Kansas: Arizona Wildcats guard Miles Simon (34) shoots over Kansas Jayhawks forward Raef LaFentz (45) during the second half of the Jayhawks 83-80 victory in the NCAA West Regional semi-final game in Denver on Friday, March 22, 1996. Kansas will play Syracuse in the final game on Sunday.(AP Photo/Bob Jordan)
30 years of tears and one big party
- David Sanders/Arizona Daily Star
- Updated
1999 v Oklahoma: UA's Jason Terry battles Oklahoma's Tim Heskett for the ball after Terry knocked it away from Heskett during the first offensive play for Oklahoma of the first half. Arizona lost to Oklahoma 61-60 during the first round of the NCAA tournament at the Bradley Center in Milwaukee. Photo by David Sander/Arizona Daily Star
30 years of tears and one big party
- David Sanders/Arizona Daily Star
- Updated
2001 v Duke: Jason Gardner #22, and Gilbert Arenas,#0 walk off the court as Duke players celebrate their win for the national championship in Minneapolis. Photo by David Sanders/Arizona Daily Star. Photo taken on 4/2/2001. UA:Basketball; Location:Metrodome; Event:Game; Identity:Athletes; People: Jason Gardner #22, Gilbert Arenas, 0 UA vs. Duke/NCAA 2001 Championship Game
30 years of tears and one big party
- Francisco Medina / Tucson Citizen
- Updated
2004 v Seton Hall: Coach Lute Olson says he thinks point guard Mustafa Shakur will become the Cats' "take-charge" player next year. Arizona's Mustafa Shakur react as they lost to Seton Hall 80-76 at the RBC Center in their game at Raleigh North Carolina in the First Round game of the NCAA tournament.(Francisco Medina/Tucson Citizen) 03/20/2004.
30 years of tears and one big party
- AP Photo/Jeff Roberson
- Updated
2005 v Illinois: Arizona's Jawann McClellan reacts on the court as Illinois' Dee Brown (11) and teammates celebrate their 90-89 overtime win in the Chicago Regional championship game of the NCAA tournament Saturday, March 26, 2005, at the Allstate Arena in Rosemont, Ill. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson) MARCH 27, 2005
30 years of tears and one big party
- David Sanders/Arizona Daily Star
- Updated
2006 v Villanova: UA player Marcus Williams gets the ball knocked out of his hands by Villanova's #14 Allan Ray in the first half. Despite this play, Marcus had 24 points for the Wildcats during their loss to Villanova 82-78 in the second round of the NCAA tournament at the Wichovia Center court, Sunday, March 19, 2006 in Philadelphia. Photo by David Sanders/Arizona Daily Star.
30 years of tears and one big party
- Francisco Medina / Tucson Citizen
- Updated
2007 v Purdue: UA junior guard Jawann McClellan (right) and freshman forward Jordan Hill hope to learn from Friday's 72-63 first-round loss to Purdue in the NCAA Tournament in New Orleans. Jawaan McClellan talks with Jordan Hill on their way to the locker room.
30 years of tears and one big party
- Greg Bryan/Arizona Daily Star
- Updated
2008 v West Virginia: Arizona forward Chase Budinger rubs his head in the locker room in front of teammate forward Jordan Hill after a loss to West Virginia in the first round of the NCAA tournament at Verizon Center in Washington, D.C., Wednesday Mar. 20, 2008. Photo by Greg Bryan/Arizona Daily Star
30 years of tears and one big party
- Greg Bryan/Arizona Daily Star
- Updated
2009 v Louisville: Arizona forward Chase Budinger hangs his head on the bench in front of guard Nic Wise in the final minutes of their loss to Louisville in their Sweet 16 match-up at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Ind., Friday Mar. 27, 20099). Photo by Greg Bryan/Arizona Daily Star
30 years of tears and one big party
- James S. Wood
- Updated
2011 v Connecticut: University of Arizona Mens basketball players Derrick Williams, left, and teammate Lamont Jones, right, react to 2,000+ people during a Welcome back celebration at the McKale Center, Saturday March 26, 2011 in Tucson, AZ. The wildcats lost in the Elite Eight of the NCAA tournament against University of Connecticut earlier in the day. 3/26/11 Photo by James S. Wood for the Arizona Daily Star
30 years of tears and one big party
- Mike Christy / Arizona Daily Star
- Updated
2013 v Ohio State: Arizona freshmen Kaleb Tarczewski, left, and Grant Jerrett sit dejected in the locker room following Arizona's game against the Ohio State Buckeyes in the West region semifinals of the NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Tournament on Thursday, March 28, 2013, in Staples Center in Los Angeles, Calif. Ohio State sent the Wildcats home, winning 73-70. Photo by Mike Christy / Arizona Daily Star
30 years of tears and one big party
- Mamta Popat / Arizona Daily Star
- Updated
2015 v Wisconsin: Arizona Wildcats guard T.J. McConnell (4) walks off the court after Arizona's loss in the NCAA West Regional Championship game on Saturday March 28, 2015 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California. Wisconsin won 85-78. Photo by: Mamta Popat / Arizona Daily Star
30 years of tears and one big party
- Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star
- Updated
2016 v Wichita State: Arizona guard Kadeem Allen (5) is the last man on the court as he makes his way slowly off after the Wildcats fell to Wichita State in their opening round loss at the NCAA Regional, Dunkin' Donuts Center, Wednesday, March 17, 2016, Providence, R.I. Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star
30 years of tears and one big party
- Mike Christy / Arizona Daily Star
- Updated
2017 v Xavier: Arizona Wildcats guard Kobi Simmons (2) looks to drive during the first half of the University of Arizona Wildcats vs. Xavier University Musketeers Sweet 16 game in the NCAA Tournament at SAP Center, March 23, 2017, in San Jose, Calif. Mike Christy / Arizona Daily Star
30 years of tears and one big party
- AP Photo/Eric Draper
1997 v Kentucky: Arizona's Miles Simon collapses on the ball as Arizona beat Kentucky 84-79 in overtime to win the national championship at the NCAA Final Four Monday, March 31, 1997, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Eric Draper)
30 years of tears and one big party
- Elizabeth Mangelsdorf / Arizona Daily Star
1987 v UTEP: University of Arizona basketball players Bruce Fraser, Steve Kerr and Tom Tolbert react as the Wildcats lose the game to UTEP in overtime on March 13, 1987. Elizabeth Mangelsdorf / Arizona Daily Star
30 years of tears and one big party
- Elizabeth Mangelsdorf / Arizona Daily Star
1988 v Oklahoma: University of Arizona basketball player Jud Buechler holds his head up while with teammate Matt Muehlebach during the team’s loss against Oklahoma on April 2, 1988. Elizabeth Mangelsdorf / Arizona Daily Star
30 years of tears and one big party
- David Sanders/Arizona Daily Star
1993 v Santa Clara: University of Arizona basketball player Khalid Reeves comes up with a loose ball during the Wildcats games against Santa Clara in the first round of the 1993 NCAA tournament. The Cats were upset losing to Santa Clara 64-61. Photo by David Sanders/Arizona Daily Star
30 years of tears and one big party
- AP Photo/Bob Jordan
1996 v Kansas: Arizona Wildcats guard Miles Simon (34) shoots over Kansas Jayhawks forward Raef LaFentz (45) during the second half of the Jayhawks 83-80 victory in the NCAA West Regional semi-final game in Denver on Friday, March 22, 1996. Kansas will play Syracuse in the final game on Sunday.(AP Photo/Bob Jordan)
30 years of tears and one big party
- David Sanders/Arizona Daily Star
1999 v Oklahoma: UA's Jason Terry battles Oklahoma's Tim Heskett for the ball after Terry knocked it away from Heskett during the first offensive play for Oklahoma of the first half. Arizona lost to Oklahoma 61-60 during the first round of the NCAA tournament at the Bradley Center in Milwaukee. Photo by David Sander/Arizona Daily Star
30 years of tears and one big party
- David Sanders/Arizona Daily Star
2001 v Duke: Jason Gardner #22, and Gilbert Arenas,#0 walk off the court as Duke players celebrate their win for the national championship in Minneapolis. Photo by David Sanders/Arizona Daily Star. Photo taken on 4/2/2001. UA:Basketball; Location:Metrodome; Event:Game; Identity:Athletes; People: Jason Gardner #22, Gilbert Arenas, 0 UA vs. Duke/NCAA 2001 Championship Game
30 years of tears and one big party
- Francisco Medina / Tucson Citizen
2004 v Seton Hall: Coach Lute Olson says he thinks point guard Mustafa Shakur will become the Cats' "take-charge" player next year. Arizona's Mustafa Shakur react as they lost to Seton Hall 80-76 at the RBC Center in their game at Raleigh North Carolina in the First Round game of the NCAA tournament.(Francisco Medina/Tucson Citizen) 03/20/2004.
30 years of tears and one big party
- AP Photo/Jeff Roberson
2005 v Illinois: Arizona's Jawann McClellan reacts on the court as Illinois' Dee Brown (11) and teammates celebrate their 90-89 overtime win in the Chicago Regional championship game of the NCAA tournament Saturday, March 26, 2005, at the Allstate Arena in Rosemont, Ill. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson) MARCH 27, 2005
30 years of tears and one big party
- David Sanders/Arizona Daily Star
2006 v Villanova: UA player Marcus Williams gets the ball knocked out of his hands by Villanova's #14 Allan Ray in the first half. Despite this play, Marcus had 24 points for the Wildcats during their loss to Villanova 82-78 in the second round of the NCAA tournament at the Wichovia Center court, Sunday, March 19, 2006 in Philadelphia. Photo by David Sanders/Arizona Daily Star.
30 years of tears and one big party
- Francisco Medina / Tucson Citizen
2007 v Purdue: UA junior guard Jawann McClellan (right) and freshman forward Jordan Hill hope to learn from Friday's 72-63 first-round loss to Purdue in the NCAA Tournament in New Orleans. Jawaan McClellan talks with Jordan Hill on their way to the locker room.
30 years of tears and one big party
- Greg Bryan/Arizona Daily Star
2008 v West Virginia: Arizona forward Chase Budinger rubs his head in the locker room in front of teammate forward Jordan Hill after a loss to West Virginia in the first round of the NCAA tournament at Verizon Center in Washington, D.C., Wednesday Mar. 20, 2008. Photo by Greg Bryan/Arizona Daily Star
30 years of tears and one big party
- Greg Bryan/Arizona Daily Star
2009 v Louisville: Arizona forward Chase Budinger hangs his head on the bench in front of guard Nic Wise in the final minutes of their loss to Louisville in their Sweet 16 match-up at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Ind., Friday Mar. 27, 20099). Photo by Greg Bryan/Arizona Daily Star
30 years of tears and one big party
- James S. Wood
2011 v Connecticut: University of Arizona Mens basketball players Derrick Williams, left, and teammate Lamont Jones, right, react to 2,000+ people during a Welcome back celebration at the McKale Center, Saturday March 26, 2011 in Tucson, AZ. The wildcats lost in the Elite Eight of the NCAA tournament against University of Connecticut earlier in the day. 3/26/11 Photo by James S. Wood for the Arizona Daily Star
30 years of tears and one big party
- Mike Christy / Arizona Daily Star
2013 v Ohio State: Arizona freshmen Kaleb Tarczewski, left, and Grant Jerrett sit dejected in the locker room following Arizona's game against the Ohio State Buckeyes in the West region semifinals of the NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Tournament on Thursday, March 28, 2013, in Staples Center in Los Angeles, Calif. Ohio State sent the Wildcats home, winning 73-70. Photo by Mike Christy / Arizona Daily Star
30 years of tears and one big party
- Mamta Popat / Arizona Daily Star
2015 v Wisconsin: Arizona Wildcats guard T.J. McConnell (4) walks off the court after Arizona's loss in the NCAA West Regional Championship game on Saturday March 28, 2015 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California. Wisconsin won 85-78. Photo by: Mamta Popat / Arizona Daily Star
30 years of tears and one big party
- Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star
2016 v Wichita State: Arizona guard Kadeem Allen (5) is the last man on the court as he makes his way slowly off after the Wildcats fell to Wichita State in their opening round loss at the NCAA Regional, Dunkin' Donuts Center, Wednesday, March 17, 2016, Providence, R.I. Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star
30 years of tears and one big party
- Mike Christy / Arizona Daily Star
2017 v Xavier: Arizona Wildcats guard Kobi Simmons (2) looks to drive during the first half of the University of Arizona Wildcats vs. Xavier University Musketeers Sweet 16 game in the NCAA Tournament at SAP Center, March 23, 2017, in San Jose, Calif. Mike Christy / Arizona Daily Star
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