Arizona women’s basketball loses home streak against GCU

Grace Carnal

December 6, 2024

Jada Williams celebrates after making a three point shot to seal the game in McKale Center on Nov. 12. Williams scored 15 total points.

The University of Arizona women’s basketball team faced GCU for the first time in program history on Thursday, Dec. 5 at 6 p.m. in McKale Center. The Wildcats suffered a disappointing 69-66 loss to the Antelopes, breaking their 5-0 home streak. Arizona is now 7-4 in the season.

First half

Arizona began the matchup with some struggles but soon found rhythm. The Wildcats continued to be strong on defense, pressuring the Antelopes’ offense. Coming off a career-high 22-point game, Paulina Paris brought the same intensity in hopes of keeping the Wildcats’ 5-0 home streak. However, Arizona struggled to get shots in, spending most of the time dribbling the ball.

Skylar Jones forced a turnover resulting in a layup made by Breya Cunningham. Shortly after Jones got a steal in a cross over, forcing five early turnovers for GCU. It was a battle to lay the ball in after multiple fouls were called on both sides. Arizona did a nice job of combatting the pressure the Antelopes were applying. GCU came up with no answer for Cunningham, as she continued breaking through the defense and led the Wildcats with 10 first-half points while shooting 5-of-8 from the field.

Arizona suffered from eight turnovers in the first half, giving GCU a 2-point lead, the Antelopes’ first of the night, three minutes in. The Wildcats did not let that last, amping up the energy on offense to take the lead back a minute later. Arizona went into halftime leading GCU 36-31.

Second half

Coming out of halftime, Cunningham immediately put up a layup to start the second half. GCU forced the Wildcats to take hard shots, staying strong on defense. Arizona started to struggle on offense, causing unorganized plays and fouls. However, Lauryn Swann put the Wildcats back in the 48-46 lead, shooting back-to-back 3-pointers.

Four Wildcats picked up four fouls during the game, helping the Antelopes keep the score close. Jada Williams suffered from an ankle injury in the beginning of the fourth quarter, but checked back in with five minutes left. Both teams were aggressive on both sides of the court, keeping it a tight game. The intensity was high in McKale, giving the Wildcats an extra push.

Arizona struggled to gain control of the lead, falling 69-66 to GCU. Cunningham reached her season-high of 20 points in this game. Paris led second, putting up 12 points, four rebounds, two assists and two steals. Williams completed the night with 11 points, six rebounds, four assists and four steals, but it wasn’t enough for the Wildcats.