With coach sitting out, Arizona falls to Oregon
No. 14 Arizona played without coach Sean Miller and lost 98-93 to host Oregon in overtime at the end of a difficult Saturday for the troubled Wildcats program.
Miller sat out a day after ESPN reported he was heard on an FBI wiretap discussing a $100,000 payment to current Wildcats freshman Deandre Ayton.
Arizona, which was directed by associate head coach Lorenzo Romar, also was without guard Allonzo Trier, who tested positive for the same banned substance that cost him 19 games last season.
“I believe it is in the best interest of our team that I not coach the game tonight,” Miller said in a statement. “I continue to fully support the university’s efforts to fully investigate this matter and am confident that I will be vindicated.”
The school did not specify why Miller didn’t coach against Oregon or if he will sit out any other games.
The Arizona Board of Regents held an emergency session Saturday and received legal advice on the issue, board chair Bill Ridenour said in a statement. The board will meet again in coming days.
“This is an emotionally charged issue but it is essential that we move forward decisively and based on facts. We must do everything we can to ensure that our programs are of the highest caliber as we must also protect the rights of all involved and respect due process for employees,” the statement said.
Ayton had 28 points and 16 rebounds for Arizona (22-7, 12-4 Pac-12), and Rawle Alkins added 24 points.
Oregon (19-10, 9-7) picked up its straight win as Elijah Brown scored 22 of his 30 points after halftime. MiKyle McIntosh added 20 points, including a key three-pointer with 1:02 left.
Brown made 15 of 17 free throws as the Ducks connected on 20 of 24 foul shots overall.
Arizona’s immediate future isn’t clear beyond its last two games of the regular season at