Fernando Galvan
(Tucson, AZ) In what was a contentious and difficult game on Friday night against the Idaho State Bengals both teams scored less than ten points for the first five minutes of the opening period.
The Wildcats began to find their rhythm with two minutes remaining in the first period hitting from beyond the three point line three times pushing their lead to nine.
Cate Reese lead the offensive charge hitting two three pointers and a jumper from the free throw line as time expired heading into the second quarter. Reese spoke after the game about her improvement atshooting from distance
“Coach Morgan (Valley) always tells us we’re big guards. It just adds to my game. Not only do I drive, I play in the post-game, but I can hit the three and that’s really important,” Reese said.
Like most season openers the Wildcats has some struggles but Head Coach Adia Barnes was confident in what she saw.
“This was a key game for us because winning this game is big as we are facing a very good Loyola Maramont team on Tuesday that is very tough. They beat us at their place last year year and beat UCLA a couple of days ago. I knew that this was a big confidence game.” Barnes said.
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The Wildcats began the second quarter with a 20-9 lead over the Bengals and continued to find success from the behind the arc as Tee Tee Starks drilled the open three point shot adding to Arizona’s lead.
Dominque McBride flashed her quick hands as she came up with a steal and finished at the basket with an easy layup. Idaho State was finding success with entry passes into the paint and strong drives to the basket. Unfortunately, they were unable to find the touch needed to convert those plays into points.
Arizona held its largest lead at halftime going up by sixteen points and once again, Cate Reese hit a three point shot as time expired.
Thomas drove to the bucket and got the layup and drew the foul extending Arizona’s lead to nineteen.
Idaho State was competitive and showed a lot of talent and fight but just could not convert on enough offensive possessions to keep the game close.
Early in the third quarter, McBryde was called for her fourth personal foul restricting her playing minutes and forcing coach Adia Barnes to shuffle her line up and give other players significant playing time.
Headed into the final and fourth quarter the Wildcats held a twenty point lead over the Bengals and continued to find success in the paint.
The Wildcats held Idaho State to its lowest point total of the game giving up only eight points in the third period.
Starks stared off the fourth quarter with a lot energy and a steal, a bucket and was fouled in the paint. She was unable to convert on the free throw.
Starks set the tone for Arizona in the final ten minutes of the game.
After taking a hard fall in the third quarter McDonald nailed a wide up three point shot a followed that up by finishing a fast break with an easy layup. McDonald’s aggressive play was exemplified throughout the game and was accented in her post-game interview.
“I’m a very aggressive player and will sacrifice my body for my teammates. I don’t mind taking those falls. I’ll feel it later but I’m fine,” Aari McDonald.
Arizona closed out the game with a 71-46 win.
The Cats finished the game shooting 40% from the field and 45% from the three point line.
Arizona faces Loyola Maramont next Tuesday at Mckale Center. The game begins at 6:30pmas the Wildcats get ready to head to Hawaii for the Bank of Hawaii Classic.
