In their final regular-season game, the Arizona Wildcats came up short in an 81-67 loss despite a career-high performance from Sumayah Sugapong.
Arizona's Sumayah Sugapong seemingly could not miss from three, hitting five three-pointers and scoring 21 points in the first half alone vs. Utah, Feb. 28, 2026.
Facing a Utah squad on their Senior Night led by seniors Lani White and Maty Wilke, Arizona struggled early to keep up with the Utes’ offensive output. Utah opened the game with a hot hand, hitting its first five shots to establish a double-digit lead.
“You can’t dig yourself a 15-point deficit in the first quarter and expect to come back in the Big 12 and win a game,” Arizona head coach Becky Burke said in the post game press conference.
Utah moved the ball well early, finding players cutting to the basket for uncontested buckets. With the Wildcats pressuring the ball on the perimeter, they left themselves vulnerable to the Utes attacking the weak side and taking advantage of backdoor cuts.
“When we recognize they’re doing that, we need to adjust and we need to make sure that we’re just making in-game adjustments like all teams will,” Burke said. “I thought we did, I just thought it took us a little bit too long.”
Despite the slow start, Arizona found its rhythm thanks to contributions from Sugapong and Noelani Cornfield. Sugapong hit a couple of 3-pointers in the first quarter, while also contributing defensively with three steals.
The Wildcats continued the momentum into the second quarter, opening up with an 11-3 run, bringing Utah’s lead within five. Sugapong seemingly could not miss from 3, hitting five 3-pointers and scoring 21 points in the first half alone.
“My teammates find me, Lani does a really good job finding me,” Sugapong said. “My shot just felt good today, I just kept letting it fly.”
Utah’s own 3-point shot was falling, as Brooke Walker hit a couple off the bench. The Utes were able to extend their lead to 47-34 at halftime.
Utah did not miss a beat to open the second half, beginning the third quarter with a 10-2 run. Seniors White and Wilke made back-to-back 3-pointers before a Sugapong 3 put Arizona’s first field goal of the half on the board.
Cornfield found Mireia Jurado down court for an easy layup, helping the Wildcats establish their fast break game. Despite the ball movement from Cornfield, Arizona was down 71-47 at the end of the third quarter.
Arizona's Noelani Cornfield (4) playing against Utah at Jon M. Huntsman Center on Feb. 28, 2026.
Facing a 24-point deficit going into the fourth quarter, the team capitalized on Utah turnovers and were able to get out in the fast break for easy buckets.
A steal from Nora Francois led to Sugapong finishing through contact and getting the bucket and a foul off an unselfish pass from Cornfield. This layup and free throw gave Sugapong her career high of 31 points.
Cornfield’s own shot was falling, as well, with a midrange jumpshot bringing her to 20 points to go along with her nine assists.
The fourth-quarter push from the Wildcats was too little, too late, as the Utes got the win. Utah seniors White and Wilke led the Utes with 19 and 12 points respectively, alongside 16 points from junior Reese Ross.
“I’m proud of our players for not quitting,” Burke said. “They always finish the game the way that they’re supposed to.”
Despite the loss, the Wildcats have a lot to look forward to in the Big 12 Tournament, she said.
“I don’t think in Kansas City we’re a team anyone is excited to play by any means,” she said. “When we put together a 40-minute game, I think we’re capable of beating most teams in this league.”
