Walton, Turiaf share NCAA link

March 22nd, 2008, 2:40 pm · Post a Comment · posted by Curtis Zupke, Staff writer

By CURTIS ZUPKE

The Orange County Register

EL SEGUNDO - Only a handful of the Lakers have experience playing in the NCAA Tournament, but Luke Walton and Ronny Turiaf hold the distinction of being on opposite sides of one of the most memorable games in tournament history.

Walton’s Arizona team beat Turiaf’s Gonzaga squad in a double-overtime thriller, 96-95, in the second round of the 2003 NCAA Tournament (Saturday happened to be the five-year anniversary).

The game culminated with Arizona players celebrating as Gonzaga’s players were sprawled on the floor in a moment made for ESPN Classic.

“The craziest game I’ve ever played in,” Walton said.

Walton and Turiaf each had 16 points. But Turiaf had to watch Walton send the game into double overtime because Turiaf had fouled out with 2:16 left in regulation.

Walton said he doesn’t needle Turiaf, though.

“I don’t even talk trash,” Walton said. Not ever a little?“That’s too much.”

Arizona and Gonzaga have been eliminated from this year’s tournament, leaving both to root for San Diego. Walton grew up in the area and Turiaf holds allegiance to the West Coast Conference.

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