After the second-half collapse against Washington State, the UA women’s basketball team looks to regain some momentum in the Pacific 10 Conference as it kicks off the second half of league play tonight at 7 against Oregon State in McKale Center.

“”We always learn something from every game and we get better,”” said forward Ify Ibekwe said. “”We just have to finish.””

After four games on the road, the Wildcats return home to defend home court against the Beavers, a team coming off a victory against Oregon, 61-42, on Jan. 31.

OSU currently holds the seventh-place spot in Pac-10 standings and have recorded a win in just two more games than Arizona. In the last meeting, the Beavers trumped the Wildcats by 25 points. In that game, the UA only made 15 shots the entire game.

“”They made a big run on us and we had a to claw back to make it a game,”” said Arizona head coach Niya Butts.

In the Wildcats’ eight home games, they’ve allowed an average of 56.1 points per game. Their defense has the ability to limit their opponents’ offensive chances and keep in the game.

Butts has changed the lineup in recent games and favored a larger lineup. With the use of a three forward system, Arizona would have the size advantage over Oregon State. Ify Ibekwe, Sarah Hays and Amina Njonkou lead the backcourt for Arizona. Freshmen Reiko Thomas and Courtney Clements will be used off the bench to give Arizona the opportunity to go on large runs.

OSU brings its high-powered offense to the desert in the hands of guard Talisa Rhea who averages more than 14 points per game and senior Brittney Davis who averages just less than 13 points per game.

“”Every game in the Pac-10 the teams are going to be tough with us, and we need to be able to match their intensity,”” said Ibekwe.