The University of Arizona women’s basketball team (18-12, 9-8 in Big 12) is closing out the regular season against ASU (9-20, 3-14 in Big 12) in Tempe on Saturday, Mar. 1, in the Desert Financial Arena at 4 p.m.
The Wildcats are coming off three big wins against BYU, the University of Houston and Texas Tech University. Team captain Isis Beh led the Wildcats against Texas Tech with 15 points, contributing four rebounds and two assists in the win. Other team captain, Jada Williams, followed closely with 14 points, including two three-pointers and a perfect 4-for-4 performance from the free-throw line. Paulina Paris added 11 points and a team-high four assists.
History vs. ASU
The Cats have faced the Sun Devils 105 times before with a record of 42-63. The Cats have won the last six matches against ASU, including one earlier in the month on Feb. 8, beating the Sun Devils 66-59. The first matchup against the Cats and Sun Devils dates back to Feb. 2, 1973, with the Cats winning 50-39.
ASU players to watch
The Sun Devils are coming off a big 89-54 loss to the University of Colorado, Boulder. Some players that have contributed to the wins throughout the season include Jalyn Brown, Tyi Skinner and Kennedy Fauntleroy.
Brown leads the team in conference scoring with 295 points, averaging 18.4 points per game and 4.5 rebounds, playing a crucial role in the team’s offensive and defensive efforts.
Skinner contributes 15.4 points per game and leads the team in three-point shooting with a 38.3% success rate, providing scoring from beyond the arc.
Additionally, Fauntleroy has been a solid contributor, averaging 9.7 points per game and 3.5 rebounds, while also adding 1.3 steals on average a game. Together, these three players have been key in ASU’s three conference wins.
Wildcats to watch
Beh has been solid throughout the season with 180 points, averaging 10.6 a game in conference play, along with 75 rebounds, 39 assists and 25 steals. She had a solid game against Texas Tech and is favored to do well against ASU.
Williams had a minor setback a couple of weeks prior due to a foot injury while playing against Oklahoma State University. However, she has since showed her strength as she had great games against BYU, Houston and Texas Tech. The sophomore leads the Wildcats in scoring in Big 12 play with 217 points, averaging 13.6 a game.
Other big contributors for the Wildcats during conference play include Skylar Jones, who has contributed 10.5 points on average a game, shooting 49.2% from the field and averaging 3 rebounds. Breya Cunningham adds 9.6 points and 7.2 rebounds, with a 50% field goal efficiency. Paris chips in an average of 7.2 points per game and has 29 assists in conference matchups.
