Watch: Arizona Wildcats react to season-ending loss against USC in Pac-12 Tournament

UA's season cut short following 78-65 loss to USC

LAS VEGAS — For the first time since 2016, the Pac-12 Tournament didn't result in the Arizona Wildcats cutting down the nets. Instead, the UA was the first team eliminated after its 78-65 first-round loss to USC on Wednesday. 

Arizona shot 40.3 percent from the field and made 5 of 22 3-pointers. Ryan Luther led the Wildcats with 16 points on 7 of 11 shooting, while Brandon Williams finished with 13 points and six rebounds.

UA finished the year with a 17-15 record and for the first time since 2012, Arizona will not appear in the NCAA Tournament. It's the third time in 10 seasons under Sean Miller that the Wildcats have failed to make the national postseason tournament.

Looking ahead to next season, Arizona brings in the top-rated recruiting class featuring five-star McDonald's All-Americans Nico Mannion and Josh Green, and four-star prospects Terry Armstrong and Zeke Nnaji. Christian Koloko is currently slated to be Arizona's only 7-footer on roster. Cornell graduate transfer Stone Gettings also plans to join the roster.

The Star caught up with the Wildcats after Wednesday's loss to recap the 2018-19 season and look ahead to the future of UA hoops.

Goals weren't met

Chase Jeter on Arizona’s season: “We didn’t meet our expectations.” pic.twitter.com/gj4GuraM5d

— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) March 13, 2019

Chase Jeter not thinking about future

Chase Jeter on if he will leave Arizona in the offseason: “I won’t discuss anything like that. I don’t know what my options are at this point.” pic.twitter.com/eoT0oOoaTY

— Justin Spears (@JustinESports) March 13, 2019

'Better days are ahead'

Chase Jeter: “Our better days are ahead of us and we’re gonna make sure we have the tools to put us in a good spot.” pic.twitter.com/AppXD76pux

— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) March 13, 2019

Brandon Randolph recaps the season, talks future

Brandon Randolph says this season “was definitely a learning experience.” Randolph on his future at Arizona: “I’m not really worried about that right now.” pic.twitter.com/Ajr1vENvvE

— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) March 13, 2019

Ryan Luther grateful for the year in Tucson

Ryan Luther on his graduate season at Arizona: “I loved my time here. ... I was just grateful for the opportunity.” pic.twitter.com/JtRlqP9iho

— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) March 13, 2019

Luther on Ira Lee and Arizona

Ryan Luther on Ira Lee’s progress, his legacy at UA and the next steps for him: pic.twitter.com/irb7NgqWVY

— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) March 13, 2019

Justin Coleman taking Brandon Williams under his wing

Justin Coleman on playing one season at Arizona and mentoring Brandon Williams: pic.twitter.com/hQOUvo2ahy

— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) March 13, 2019

Ira Lee has big plans for next season

Ira Lee says next year’s Arizona team “is gonna be pretty be special. I’ll leave it at that.” pic.twitter.com/i7qXGiN1zw

— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) March 13, 2019

Brandon Williams struggled mentally from knee injury

Brandon Williams on battling a knee injury during the season: “It took a toll on me mentally.” Williams also talks about Justin Coleman as a mentor: pic.twitter.com/MSmC5He9Ud

— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) March 13, 2019

Brandon Williams taking the leadership role

Brandon Williams says he’s “gonna be in Justin Coleman’s spot and teach Nico (Mannion) the ropes” next year. pic.twitter.com/C7mdmqkgSH

— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) March 13, 2019