During Arizona’s overtime win over TCU, sophomore Bennedict Mathurin had arguably the best highlight of March Madness thus far.
Mathurin, who matched his season-high with 30 points during the victory, also added 8 rebounds as well as 4 assists and 2 steals. Although he hit three 3-pointers during the contest, showcasing his “clutch gene” in the process, it was one of his dunks that fans will remember.
During the second half, after a high pick and roll from Kerr Kriisa, Mathurin stole the show. On a field goal attempt that would give his team the lead, with a short roll assist from Christian Koloko, the Canadian-born wing took flight on a cut to the basket.
The absurd athleticism Mathurin showed on this possession is nothing short of stupendous, and certainly, the type of display NBA scouts love to see from draft prospects:
OMG BEN MATHURIN JUST BROUGHT THE HOUSE DOWN pic.twitter.com/e3bUzotPgw
— CBS Sports (@CBSSports) March 21, 2022
However, as much fun as it is to think about the dunk itself, let’s take a step back and zoom in on something else for a second.
Watch the way that Arizona’s Dalen Terry, who was seen spotting up on the perimeter, reacts to what his teammate just accomplished.
Terry, a 6-foot-7 sophomore, looks like the happiest person on the entire planet. There are kids going to Disneyland for the first time who come off depressed when compared to the reaction Terry had. Take a look:
That is some pure, unadulterated, and unfiltered joy. Do you know how happy you have to be to leap in the air and fully spin around like a top the way Terry did?
When he saw that dunk from Mathurin, it seems Terry was able to experience a type of happiness that many in this world will likely never know. Whatever it was that Terry’s brain felt in that moment should be bottled up and given to those who need the serotonin rush.
Even after the game, Terry was still leading the hype train for Mathurin. He interrupted Mathurin’s postgame interview to tell the world that his teammate is the best player in the country.
🗣"HE THE BEST PLAYER IN THE COUNTRY AND WE THE BEST TEAM IN THE COUNTRY."
Dalen Terry has a message about Bennedict Mathurin@ArizonaMBB #MarchMadness pic.twitter.com/8ATGYAAz5M
— NCAA March Madness (@MarchMadnessMBB) March 21, 2022
During the victory on Sunday, both Terry and Mathurin played every second of the second half and of overtime for the Wildcats.
Once he was off the floor, Terry continued to push his narrative and share his excitement.
Terry took to Twitter to share with everyone, once again, just how much his mind was blown by Mathurin’s performance against TCU
Benedict Mauthrin Omg Omg !!!!
— DT 🌪 (@DalenTerry) March 21, 2022
But when you know his background, it makes sense as to why Terry has so much buy-in for this roster.
Terry attended Hillcrest Prep in Phoenix and even when he was a little kid, the Phoenix native wanted to play basketball for Arizona.
Now, after the win, he and Mathurin will have a chance to take the Wildcats to the Elite Eight if they can win their Sweet 16 matchup against Houston on March 24.
