The University of Arizona women’s basketball team will compete against the University of Kansas on Sunday, Jan. 19 in Lawrence, Kan. in Allen Fieldhouse. The Wildcats (11-8, 2-4 in Big 12) are coming from three back-to-back losses against Baylor, Iowa State and Kansas State as they hope to turn their fate against the Jayhawks.
Kansas (12-5, 2-4 in Big 12) is coming off a big win against Arizona State (75-52) and hopes to keep the momentum going as they host the Wildcats.
History
Arizona and Kansas women’s basketball teams have faced each other seven times between Jan. 5, 1987, and Dec. 8, 2022. The Jayhawks have won the last two games played against the Wildcats and have a slight edge, as their record is 4-3 all-time against the Cats.
Kansas has hosted Arizona five times and won three of those games, which may be an important factor as the Wildcats will be on Kansas’ home turf on Sunday. This will also be the first time the teams have faced each other in conference play, making it an interesting game.
Wildcats to Watch
Forward Isis Beh had a standout performance against Kansas State leading the Wildcats with 16 points on an efficient 5-8 shooting, adding six rebounds and showcasing her ability to attack the paint and convert free throws.
Jada Williams has been dominant in conference play for the Wildcats averaging 13.5 points per game across six competitions. She has shown her scoring versatility by hitting eight three-pointers along with contributing 2.8 assists per game and 2.7 rebounds per game.
Breya Cunningham will be key for the Wildcats as she is dominant in the paint, shooting an impressive 50.8% from the field. Cunningham averages 10.5 points per game while dominating the boards with 7.5 rebounds per game, 37 defensive rebounds in the last six conference games.
Jayhawks to Watch
Guard S’Mya Nichols has been a scoring machine for the Jayhawks in conference play, leading the team with an impressive 20.0 points per game on 46.5% shooting from the field, including a sharp 46.2% from three-point range. Nichols is also a key component of Kansas’ defense with nine steals and a block.
Elle Evans has also been a key factor in offense for the Jayhawks in conference play, averaging 18.5 points per game on 42.4% shooting and a remarkable 45.9% from beyond the arc. Her strong rebounding at 4.3 per game and reliable free-throw shooting (81.5%), makes her impressionable going into the game against the Wildcats.
For the Wildcats to secure a victory, they will need to apply defensive pressure to prolific scorers like Nichols and Evans in order to limit the Jayhawks from getting away during the game. Other factors that will contribute to a Wildcat win will be improving shooting percentages, minimizing turnovers and challenging Kansas’ interior defense by securing rebounds.
Follow the Daily Wildcat on Instagram and Twitter/X
