Arizona coach Sean Miller defends team, takes shot at rival ASU

The Arizona Wildcats just wrapped up a great season that ended in disappointment.

The Wildcats, who won 34 games, the Pac-12 regular season title and the Pac-12 Tournament, lost to Wisconsin 85-78 in the Elite 8. It is the second year in a row the Wildcats have fallen to the Badgers with a spot in the Final Four on the line, and the third time in six seasons Miller’s team has fallen one game shy of the Dance’s third weekend.

Miller, who has quickly gained a reputation for being the best coach in NCAA hoops who has not reached the Final Four, sent out a series of tweets late Sunday addressing his squad’s “failure.”

A picture that captures a lot for me. My wife and point guard saying good bye to a wonderful season #BearDown pic.twitter.com/KjaEFomvND

— Sean Miller (@UACoachMiller) March 30, 2015

Thanks to a group of guys that sacrificed & became the best team that I have ever coached. From our Mile Run to 34-4. pic.twitter.com/Hq2ggrB55H

— Sean Miller (@UACoachMiller) March 30, 2015

A special thank you to our diehard fans, especially the @ZonaZooOfficial, for your support in all that we do – you are simply the best.

— Sean Miller (@UACoachMiller) March 30, 2015

The first three tweets were heartfelt and understandable. Arizona had a great run with a fun roster of players who just couldn’t get past the hot-shooting Badgers Saturday afternoon. But it’s the last one that has people buzzing.

Miller, who has been with UA for six seasons, decided to take a bit of a shot at his school’s in-state rival.

Finally to the people that try to make us feel like our season was a failure. Go cheer for ASU! #BearDown

— Sean Miller (@UACoachMiller) March 30, 2015

Of course, the two teams split the season series this year — with Miller’s team winning 73-49 in Tucson and ASU coming out on top 81-78 in Tempe — so it is not as if the ‘Cats can just point to the scoreboard in this one.

If nothing else this is the kind of message that is likely to fire up anyone wearing red and blue while upsetting those in maroon and gold.

Is it just part of rivalry fun or a cheap shot that did not need to be taken?

Your answer probably depends largely on which school you support.

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