Watch: 'It almost brings a tear to my eye,' as Arizona punches ticket to WNIT championship

10 best things UA said after beating TCU

When the Arizona Wildcats took the floor at McKale Center on Wednesday night for their WNIT Final Four matchup against TCU, 10,135 fans filled the arena. It was the highest attendance in program history.

The Cats delivered and beat TCU 59-53 for a spot in the WNIT championship game against Northwestern. 

UA guard Aari McDonald finished the night with 19 points and went of 8 of 23 from the field. She led the team in rebounds with nine and tallied four assists. Dominique McBryde added had 13 points in the win. 

Up next, Arizona will host the title game at McKale Center at noon Saturday. The game will be televised on CBS Sports.

Head coach Adia Barnes, McDonald and McBryde spoke to the media following the win, here's what they had to say. 

Big picture for Arizona

Adia Barnes says Arizona’s #WNIT run is important because the team is gaining tournament experience while picking up momentum for next season. pic.twitter.com/iW0DbGKkEY

— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) April 4, 2019

Stepping stones

Adia Barnes on Arizona’s #WNIT Final Four run and how it helps the program’s future: pic.twitter.com/1LrvCt6QuW

— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) April 4, 2019

Sam Thomas, 'The Silent Assassin'

Adia Barnes calls Sam Thomas the “silent assassin” when she plays defense. pic.twitter.com/G2U646uhne

— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) April 4, 2019

Defense wins championships

Adia Barnes says defense has been Arizona’s identity this season. #WNITFinalFour pic.twitter.com/4Nqr7dzhGt

— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) April 4, 2019

Aari McDonald's passion

Adia Barnes on Aari McDonald’s “grit” and passion: “She’s someone I want to go war with anytime, anyplace.” pic.twitter.com/dcHgOdWrYN

— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) April 4, 2019

Coming full circle

The last time Arizona battled for a #WNIT championship, Adia Barnes was a player. Guess who UA played? Northwestern. Arizona’s opponent on Saturday. “If we can find a way to get a win, that’s an even greater story.” pic.twitter.com/3W9UuhJU88

— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) April 4, 2019

Balancing being a mom and head coach

Adia Barnes on balancing coaching and being a mom: pic.twitter.com/k740O5hDvc

— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) April 4, 2019

Getting a boost

Aari McDonald and Dominique McBryde on seeing 10,135 fans at McKale Center for the #WNITFinalFour: pic.twitter.com/KneKDy48nQ

— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) April 4, 2019

Building for the future

Dominique McBryde on Arizona’s run to the #WNIT championship: “This is a stepping stone for what’s to come.” pic.twitter.com/oURjUn2HKj

— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) April 4, 2019

Behind enemy lines

Dominique McBryde — former Purdue Boilermaker — provides Big 10 insight on facing Northwestern: pic.twitter.com/sdu01iOED1

— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) April 4, 2019

(Bonus): McKale Center being a special place

Arizona head coach Adia Barnes on walking out to see 10,135 fans at McKale Center for the #WNITFinalFour: “This place is special. ... To walk out and see that, it almost brings a tear to my eye.” pic.twitter.com/sI8qEJc1s4

— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) April 4, 2019