The University of Arizona women’s basketball team (14-8, 5-4 in Big 12) beat West Virginia University (16-4, 6-3 in Big 12) 77-62 in McKale Center on Saturday, Jan. 25. at 6:30 p.m. for their third straight win.
Sophomore Breya Cunningham led the Wildcats with a team-high 18 points, going 7-11 in field goals and a perfect 4-4 in free throws. She was a key contributor for the Wildcats offensively and on the boards, leading the team in blocks (3) and rebounds (9), one offensive and eight defensive. Cunningham kept the momentum from the last game going into this one in rebounds, securing 15 against the University of Cincinnati.
Following close behind, Skylar Jones and Paulina Paris tied scoring 16 points each. They both added their skills on the defensive side as well with Paris grabbing five steals and Jones with three. It’s important to note Jada William’s performance as she was a sniper beyond the arc going 3-6 in 3-point shots and securing 13 points for the team.
Jones was expected to have a good outing against the Mountaineers as she dominated against Cincinnati just three days before. Against the Bearcats, she led the team with 16 points and went 2-2 for free throws.
Defensively, Arizona was relentless. The Wildcats forced 21 turnovers, including several key stops during a 13-0 run in the second half that sealed the deal. Isis Beh and the rest of the defense did an excellent job keeping West Virginia’s scorers in check, limiting their 3-point shooting to just 8.3%.
The Wildcats held their largest lead during the fourth quarter with 21 points (73-52). Arizona’s shooting efficiency was a standout factor, going 49.1% from the field and 84.2% from the free-throw line. Their ability to capitalize on turnovers was also key to their offensive control.
Senior JJ Quinerly carried the Mountaineers throughout the match with an astonishing 26 points, four steals and two assists. Although she had a stellar performance, Arizona’s team-focused play and strong defense, combined with the Mountaineer’s struggles from beyond the arc, stifled their momentum despite a 50% second-half shooting effort.
Looking Ahead:
The University of Arizona women’s basketball team will be back on the road as they face the University of Utah (15-5, 6-3 in Big 12) on Friday, Jan. 31 at 6:30 p.m. in Salt Lake City.
