The University of Arizona women’s basketball team looks to extend its 2-0 win streak as they face Bellarmine University on Thursday, Dec. 18, at 6 p.m. in McKale Center.
The Wildcats are coming off back-to-back wins, defeating Eastern Kentucky University and Chicago State University last week.
Wildcats this season
Graduate student guard Mickayla Perdue had great performances in the last 2 games, earning 27 points against Eastern Kentucky and 34 points against Chicago State. Bellarmine should anticipate Perdue to stretch the floor as she leads the team in 3-pointers made with 25. Perdue’s strengths include pushing things in transition and giving the offense a kickstart that it needs in every possession.
The second Wildcat to look out for is redshirt junior Tanyuel Welch. Welch had 18 points against Chicago State and an impressive 11 rebounds against Eastern Kentucky. Welch helps in the rebounding game on the defensive side, while also being able to give the team points off the bench.
The last Wildcat to look at is freshman Daniah Trammell. She may have struggled in her last match, as she had only 4 points, but still expect her to be a presence in the paint as well as the offensive glass. Trammell adds a lot of height that the defense needs as a relentless presence down low.
Overall, the Wildcats rely on a balanced effort. Perdue fuels the offense with her scoring and shooting, Welch contributes through rebounding and bench production and Trammell adds size and presence in the paint. Together, their impact puts the Wildcats in a strong position moving forward.
Knights this season
While Bellarmine is currently 2-9 on the season, there is no reason to overlook them as a whole.
Junior guard Triniti Ralston leads the Knights in scoring as she averages 13.9 points a game to go along with six rebounds and three assists. It’s expected for her to try and get to the free-throw line and push the tempo from her boards defensively.
Alongside Ralston is sophomore guard Ava Smith. She averages 8.3 points a game to go with 2.9 rebounds and 1.5 assists. Arizona may find her stretching the floor as she leads her team in 3-pointers with 20.
Despite their record, Bellarmine has players who can impact the game and should not be taken lightly. Ralston’s all-around production and ability to control the pace make her a constant threat, while Smith’s shooting gives the Knights an option to space the floor and score quickly. If these two find a rhythm, Bellarmine can be more competitive than their record suggests.
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