In what would be a close physical defensive victory for the Wildcats on Saturday afternoon at McKale Center, Arizona would rely on hustle to outlast Cal State Northridge 53-46, improving to 3-0 on the season.

Throughout the game the Wildcats athleticism frustrated the Matadors and forced 25 turnovers, but due to a low shooting percentage of 26.2%, and numerous and 24 turnovers for the UA, Arizona was
never able to pull away to a comfortable lead.

“It was a ugly game for us but it was a win,” head coach Niya Butts said. “That being said it was outstanding from a coaches view. We’ve been preaching defense and rebounds and we did that.”

Twice in the second half the McKale center came to a silence, as senior guard Davellyn Whyte would go down with an apparent knee injury.

“She’s a tough kid,” Butts said. “If her will is there she’s going to be on that floor. And she understands what it’s going to take to win basketball games and she’s committed to that.”

Whyte still had 16 points, seven rebounds and four assists, and junior forward Alli Gloyd and senior forward Chesi Poston added 12 and eight points a piece.

“Alli [Gloyd] really started the game well off for us, and down the stretch Cheshi [Poston] made some big plays for us,” Butts said. “On the defensive side of the ball, they had a really good game.”