The University of Arizona women’s basketball team (10-10, 1-8 in Big 12) was defeated 68-61 by their rivals Arizona State University (18-4, 5-4 in Big 12) on Wednesday, Jan. 28 in Desert Financial Arena in Tempe. This marks their fifth consecutive loss and they remain winless on the road this season.  

The Wildcats have been without their leading scorer Mickayla Perdue during this stretch, who is out with a wrist injury. 

Key players 

Noelani Cornfield led the Arizona Wildcats with an impressive performance, scoring 19 points  on 7-for-9 shooting from the field. Cornfield also contributed six assists, playing a vital role in  the team’s offensive efforts. 

Kamryn Kitchen followed as another standout player for the Wildcats, recording 14 points and collecting four rebounds. Kitchen also made her presence known on the defensive end with three steals, helping to disrupt ASU’s offense. 

Sumayah Sugapong was the only other Wildcat to reach double figures, finishing with 10 points. 

For ASU, Gabby Elliott led all scorers in the game, finishing with 22 points. Elliott shot 7-for-17 from the field and was flawless at the free-throw line, making all eight of her attempts. 

The Sun Devils had an advantage on the boards, particularly from their frontcourt duo of  Heloisa Carrera and McKinna Brackens, both of whom recorded double doubles. Carrera was  especially effective on the offensive glass, grabbing five offensive rebounds. As a team, Arizona State had 14 offensive rebounds compared to Arizona’s six. 

First half 

Arizona State opened the game by getting on the scoreboard first, capitalizing at the free-throw  line and then scoring a layup by Carrera. Shortly after, Cornfield set up Kitchen for a 3-pointer, putting the Wildcats on the board. Although Arizona found themselves playing from  behind early, they managed to keep ASU close. 

Mireia Jurado connected from beyond the arc, tying the game at six apiece. However, the Sun  Devils’ physical playing style, combined with Elliott’s effective scoring, helped ASU build a  16-11 lead. Before the quarter ended, Cornfield made a clever scoop layup off an inbound pass, narrowing the deficit to just 3 points.

Arizona came out strong at the start of the second quarter, applying defensive pressure and  holding ASU scoreless for the first 3 minutes. Cornfield scored a layup and Kitchen followed  with another 3-pointer, bringing the game to an 18-18 tie. The Sun Devils then responded with their best scoring run of the half. Last-Tear Poa made a 3-pointer, and Jyah LoVett converted a steal into a layup, pushing ASU ahead 26-18. 

Achol Magot provided a spark off the bench for Arizona in the second quarter, scoring with a  hook shot and finishing strong at the rim. On the other side, Brackens showcased her versatility with a 10-foot turnaround jumper and a 3-pointer. At halftime, the Wildcats trailed the Sun Devils 33-26. 

Second half 

After the break, Arizona head coach Becky Burke had her team ready, as the Wildcats put together a string of defensive stops and converted on easy scoring opportunities inside.  Sugapong and Cornfield each made 2 layups, giving Arizona its first lead of the game at 34-33  in the third quarter. The Wildcats continued their momentum when Cornfield drew a foul on  Elliott, made her free throws, and then found Kitchen for a deep 3-pointer, sparking a 13-0 run, their most impressive stretch in conference play so far. 

ASU relied on their physical frontcourt, turning to Carrera and Brackens to halt the Wildcats’ run. Brackens set up Carrera for a layup and later assisted Elliott for 2 points. Marley Washenitz then hit a 3-pointer, returning the lead to ASU. Despite Arizona’s strong third quarter, the Sun Devils entered the final period ahead, 50-49. 

The fourth quarter turned into a physical battle, with each Arizona surge immediately answered by Arizona State. Kitchen hit a turnaround jumper and Cornfield knocked down a pull-up 17- footer, but the Sun Devils responded quickly with a Brackens layup and two free throws. Elliott then made a key steal and converted two more free throws, extending ASU’s lead to 56-53. Arizona continued to fight, but Elliott’s relentless offense proved too much to contain. 

Turnovers became costly for the Wildcats, as six giveaways in the fourth quarter forced them to foul in the closing minutes. ASU capitalized from the free-throw line, while the Wildcats’ offense faltered down the stretch. The Sun Devils closed out the game, securing a 68-61 victory over Arizona. 

Looking ahead 

Arizona will look to bounce back against Oklahoma State University in McKale Center on  Sunday, Feb. 1 at 2 p.m. MST. The game will be available to stream on ESPN+.

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