The University of Arizona women’s basketball team (15-10, 6-6 in Big 12) is hitting the road to face No. 20 Oklahoma State University (19-4, 9-3 in Big 12) on Wednesday, Feb. 12 in Stillwater, Okla. at 5:30 p.m. in the Gallagher-Iba Arena.
The Wildcats are coming off a big 66-59 win at home against rivals ASU on Saturday, Feb. 8. There was a good turnout for attendance as McKale Center was packed with over 8,000 fans.
The Cowgirls are also coming off of an at-home victory against Kansas State University, 85-55, on Saturday, Feb. 8. OSU dominated against K-State, which should be a cause for concern as the Wildcats lost to Kansas State earlier in the season, 62-47.
History vs. Oklahoma State
The Wildcats have faced OSU only twice in the past, and both matches have ended in losses for the Wildcats. The last time Arizona played Oklahoma State was on Dec. 4, 1994, in McKale Center, with the Wildcats losing 40-64. The first matchup between the two in 1981 ended in a score of 61-75.
Oklahoma State players to watch
Oklahoma State dominated Kansas State on Feb. 8 due to help from Anna Gret Asi who had a career-high of eight 3-pointers and scored 24 points for the Cowgirls. The Cowgirls were unstoppable in the first half with a massive lead of 51-20.
Asi has proved to be an asset to the Cowgirls with 262 points this season, averaging 11.9 points per game. She currently has the most 3-pointers for her team with 27 so far this season in conference play.
Stailee Heard has been a dominant force for Oklahoma State this season, she averages about 19.3 points per game on an impressive 48.2% field goal shooting. Her ability to rebound is another key strength, averaging 8.0 rebounds per game, making her a strong presence on both ends of the floor.
Micah Gray averages 11.1 points per game while taking a high volume of three-pointers (179 attempts in 23 games). Gray also contributes 2.8 rebounds per game, 23 total steals and provides occasional rim protection with two blocks.
Wildcats to watch
Jada Williams led the Wildcats against ASU with 18 points on 6-of-13 shooting. She was perfect from the free-throw line (5-for-5) and contributed in multiple areas, grabbing seven rebounds, all of which were on the defensive end.
Williams leads the Wildcats in scoring this season with 312 points, averaging 13.0 per game. She is also an asset beyond the arc leading the team with 35 made 3-pointers this season.
Breya Cunningham was highly efficient in the game against ASU scoring 16 points on 7-of-12 shooting while controlling the paint with eight rebounds, including three on the offensive glass. Cunningham leads Arizona in rebounds with 173 this season so far. Continuing her excellence on defense, she leads the team with 42 blocks.
