The Arizona Wildcats women’s basketball team came into tonight’s matchup with ASU the underdog, however, they certainly did not play like one leading the Sun Devils at the half 31-26 Friday in McKale Center.

During the course of the season Arizona has turned the ball over more than anyone in the conference, boasting the worst assist to turnover ratio in the Pac-12, in the first half it was a different story. The Wildcats only turned the ball over three times which led to more shot opportunities and subsequently the lead.

Dezja James led the Wildcats with seven points and five rebounds and Jalea Bennett contributed six for Arizona as well.

The Wildcats managed to keep ASU frazzled for most of the half due to pressure defense both in the half court and full court. While it may not have resulted in turnovers, the effect on the Sun Devils inside play was significant as they were only able to equal Arizona’s 14 points in the paint and shot less than 35 percent despite having the height advantage.

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