(Tucson, AZ) This was as exciting as McKale Center had been for Women’s Basketball at Arizona in nearly a decade, the fans came out in droves.
Both teams came out fast converting a three pointers and field goals for a 5-5 tie. Things settled down a bit as each team got only one shot per possession and at the first media timeout Zona led 8-7.
Out of the time out, the Cats swung the ball to the weakside baseline for a Lucia Alonso three pointer.
The Vandals who figured not to drive in much in the contest showed they were an exceptional jump shooting team.
This was a very evenly matched contest as a Sweet 16 matchup should be. Neither team had more than four point lead in the first quarter as the Cats had a slim 19-16 lead at the end of the first stanza.
Both teams shot well in the first quarter with the Vandals at 41.2% (7-17) and Arizona 50% (7-14). Idaho had a big advantage on the glass at 12-6.
Idaho senior Taylor Pierce hit a game three pointer to start the second quarter, 19-19.
Arizona caught fire and ran off nine points to two for Idaho, for a 28-22 lead at the second quarter media time out. A key was lockdown defense on the perimeter.
Freshman center Cate Reese brought the crowd to its feet on a drive of a missed shot. The Cats extended the lead to 31-24 and then lighting struck again with senior Tee Tee Starks hitting her second three of the game and Zona quickly had a double digit and went into the half with a 34-24 advantage.
The Vandals were considerably smaller than Arizona with junior guard Lizzy Klinker having to guard 6’3” Reese. All their players over six feet were underclassmen who weren’t in their regular rotation.
Idaho’s Pierce led the Vandals with eleven points with Klinker adding six points.
The Wildcats Reese with her stellar post play had twelve points on 5-6 shooting. The Cats spread the scoring out in the first half with seven players scoring.
Idaho cooled off in the second quarter only going 3-13 from the field as the Wildcat defense extended their perimeter defense to cut off many jumpers they had open looks in the first quarter.
Just as the second half started, the Cowgirls of the University of Wyoming had beaten Pepperdine University in Laramie 61-60.
Idaho freshman guard Gina Marxen scored and was fouled concerting the old fashioned three point play. Aari McDonald came back to hit a three to put the lead back to ten.
Both teams were cold at the third media timeout only making one field goal each. Arizona caught up on the rebounding deficit even at 23 boards a piece.
Vandal’s senior guard Mikayla Ferenz hit a second chance theee point basket and then anther trifecta the following possesion and Idaho only trailed by two 41-39 with 2:12 to go in the third quarter.
The Cats shooting went south going 1-10 and forcing Coach Adia Barnes to call a time out.
Swarming defense out too the timeout caused a traveling turnover and Starks made them pay with her third three of the night. McDonald followed with a driving layup off the left side and give Zona some breathing room at 46-39 and a buzzer beating put back by McDonald had the Cats up 48-39 headed to the final quarter.
Sophomore Sam Thomas hit a three for the Cats putting the lead at 51-39 to start the quarter. Arizona really turned around the rebounding and McDonald put back the thirteenth offensive board for a score 53-39. Timeout Idaho trying to stop the bleeding.
A collision near midcourt layed out McDonald which was called a moving screen on Idaho by the officials. Arizona responded with baskets from Starks and Reese and the lead was fifteen with under five to go in the game.
Back came the Vandals with three quick buckets caused Barnes to call a timeout at the 3:37 mark to settle things down and to get McDonald back in the game.
The Wildcats came out of the time out deliberat to run the offense and use what precious time was left on the clock.
The lid was slammed shut on a McDonald drive down Main Street to put the game on ice 63-51. Idaho followed with a three but too little too late. Timeout was called by the Vandals Coach Jon Newlee.
Coach Barnes implemented a “keep away strategy which resulted in an easy deuce.
Two free throws by Thomas accentuated the win as the Cats move n to the Elite Eight.
After the game, Coach Barnes made us aware that Athletic Director Dave Heeke gave rhe WNIT “an offer they couldnt refuse” keeping the Wildcats at home and an extra day’s rest now hosting the Wyoming Cowgirls on Sunday at 2 pm. It was thought that Arizona may have to travel to Laramie Wyoming to play their matchup.
The announced crowd was 6,307 and the lower bowl of McKale was packed and loud. Coach Barnes encouraged the city of Tucson to have 7,000 in attendance on Sunday’s game.
This win as well as the entire post season experience has boosted the Women’s program to new heights. The job that Coach Barnes and her staff have done this year is nothing short of phenomenal.
It been a long time coming, but the words “Elite Eight” in Tucson is now a reality.
Click on our sponsors website for specials.
