The University of Arizona had a strong week in athletics, as the women’s basketball team currently holds a 5-1 record, remaining undefeated at home leading into the Big 12. Additionally, the football team got its first win in six games, beating the University of Houston 27-3 on Nov. 15.
Women’s basketball had a great slate of outings that proved its ability to find scorers all around the court. The Arizona football team was led by an impressive performance by defensive back Genesis Smith.
Team: Women’s basketball
The women’s basketball team has had a great start to its schedule, with five straight wins to open the Wildcats regular season, despite its only loss coming against NAU. Arizona played two games over the past week against the University of Nevada, Las Vegas in McKale Center on Nov. 12 and against Chicago State University on Nov. 16.
Throughout the two games Arizona had a tight 75-66 win against UNLV, however the Wildcats blew out Chicago State 84-48. In the matchups, Breya Cunningham and Lauryn Swann proved to have played crucial parts in these victories. Both players found themselves in the double digits for both outings.
Swann, a freshman guard for the Wildcats, recorded her season and career high of 19 points in the game against UNLV in 8-for-9 shooting and 2-for-2 beyond the arc. Against Chicago State, she grabbed a career-high of five rebounds while also putting up 12 points.
Cunningham, a sophomore forward for the Wildcats, put up 12 points against UNLV and a team-leading 14 points against Chicago State. Cunningham has been electric, in every game so far this season she has scored 10 or more points.
The women’s basketball team continues its season as the Wildcats host Grambling State University on Nov. 23 at 6 p.m in McKale Center.
Player: Genesis Smith – Football
Genesis Smith alongside the Arizona football team secured the program’s first win since Sept. 28 when the Wildcats upset the then-No. 10 University of Utah 23-10. Smith’s stellar defensive performance was essential towards the team’s win.
A dominant 27-3 victory came through with Smith’s career performance and one of his best games in recent memory. Smith started early with a fumble recovery in the first quarter, which set up the Wildcats for a massive touchdown from Noah Fifita to Tetairoa McMillan to put Arizona ahead 7-0.
Then in just the second quarter, Smith grabbed an interception. He then had a crucial pass breakup in the third quarter as Houston went for it on fourth down, turning it back over to the Wildcats.
Smith put up some stellar numbers as his interception against Houston was his first since the matchup against Utah. His fumble recovery was the first of his career playing for Arizona. Additionally, his seven tackles in the game tied his season-best against BYU.
Smith has been pivotal in his role on Arizona’s defense this year and has been a bright spot despite the unfortunate losses that have plagued the Wildcats season.
Arizona football must win out the remainder of its season to remain bowl-eligible with six wins. The Wildcats next matchup comes against TCU on Nov. 23 at 1 p.m. in Fort Worth, Texas.
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