The Wildcat women got physical in a 76-64 win over the Utes at McKale, Tucson, Ariz., January 21, 2022.
University of Arizona vs Utah
Arizona Wildcats forward Sam Thomas (14) lets go with a yell after drawing a foul and draining a basket against Utah Utes in the fourth quarter of their Pac 12 basketball game at McKale Center, Tucson, Ariz., January 21, 2022.
University of Arizona vs Utah
Arizona Wildcats forward Sam Thomas (14) gets hammered by Utah Utes guard Brynna Maxwell (11) on a drive to the basket in the fourth quarter of their Pac 12 basketball game at McKale Center, Tucson, Ariz., January 21, 2022.
University of Arizona vs Utah
Utah Utes forward Kelsey Rees (53) gets an arm on Arizona Wildcats guard Shaina Pellington (1) trying to stop her drive in the lane in their basketball game at McKale Center, Tucson, Ariz., January 21, 2022.
University of Arizona vs Utah
Arizona Wildcats forward Cate Reese (25) draws a defender as she launches a shot from the key against the Utah Utes at McKale Center, Tucson, Ariz., January 21, 2022.
University of Arizona vs Utah
All eyes are on the basket as Arizona Wildcats forward Sam Thomas (14) drops a three late in the fourth quarter against the Utah Utes at McKale Center, Tucson, Ariz., January 21, 2022.
University of Arizona vs Utah
Arizona Wildcats head coach Adia Barnes can't believe her team didn't get the call on an out of bounds play against the Utah Utes at McKale Center, Tucson, Ariz., January 21, 2022.
University of Arizona vs Utah
Arizona forward Cate Reese, middle, tries to bat a rebound to a teammate behind Utah forward Kelsey Rees, left, during their Pac-12 matchup at McKale Center on Jan. 21, 2022.
University of Arizona vs Utah
Arizona guard Helena Pueyo, right, tries to rip the ball out of the hands of Utah guard Dru Gylten in the third quarter of their Pac-12 game at McKale Center on Jan. 21, 2022.
University of Arizona vs Utah
Arizona Wildcats guard Shaina Pellington (1) ties up Utah Utes forward Kelsey Rees (53) on her lay-in attempt in the fourth quarter of their Pac 12 basketball game at McKale Center, Tucson, Ariz., January 21, 2022.
University of Arizona vs Utah
Arizona Wildcats forward Lauren Ware (32) finds a seam for a reverse lay-in attempt against the Utah Utes in the first quarter of their Pac 12 basketball game at McKale Center, Tucson, Ariz., January 21, 2022.
University of Arizona vs Utah
Arizona Wildcats forward Ariyah Copeland (22) crashes a lane full of Utah Utes in the third quarter of their Pac 12 basketball game at McKale Center, Tucson, Ariz., January 21, 2022.
University of Arizona vs Utah
Arizona Wildcats forward Cate Reese (25) tries to muscle her way along the baseline against Utah Utes guard Ines Vieira (2) in their Pac 12 basketball game at McKale Center, Tucson, Ariz., January 21, 2022.
University of Arizona vs Utah
Arizona Wildcats forward Sam Thomas (14) gets the honor of banging the drum after dropping 25 on the Utah Utes in a 76-64 win at McKale Center, Tucson, Ariz., January 21, 2022.
University of Arizona vs Utah
Arizona Wildcats guard Anna Gret Asi (0) laughs as director of recruiting Kortney Dunbar shows her something on posters being handed out on Anna Gret Asi night before the game against the Utah Utes at McKale Center, Tucson, Ariz., January 21, 2022.
University of Arizona vs Utah
Arizona Wildcats forward Koi Love (5) and the team are eyeing the Utah Utes, getting ready to defend McKale Center court, Tucson, Ariz., January 21, 2022.
University of Arizona vs Utah
Arizona Wildcats guard Bendu Yeaney (23) gets called for blocking against Utah Utes forward Peyton McFarland (42) in their Pac 12 basketball game at McKale Center, Tucson, Ariz., January 21, 2022.
University of Arizona vs Utah
Arizona Wildcats forward Sam Thomas (14) picks up a foul pressuring Utah Utes guard Gianna Kneepkens (5) in the second quarter of their Pac 12 basketball game at McKale Center, Tucson, Ariz., January 21, 2022.
University of Arizona vs Utah
Arizona Wildcats forward Sam Thomas (14), left, and forward Lauren Ware (32) put the pressure on Utah Utes guard Brynna Maxwell (11) near miodcourt in the second quarter of their Pac 12 basketball game at McKale Center, Tucson, Ariz., January 21, 2022.
University of Arizona vs Utah
Arizona Wildcats guard Bendu Yeaney (23) heads into the lane against Utah Ute in their Pac 12 basketball game at McKale Center, Tucson, Ariz., January 21, 2022.
University of Arizona vs Utah
Arizona Wildcats forward Sam Thomas (14), left and Utah Utes forward Peyton McFarland (42) collide chasing an inlet pass in their Pac 12 basketball game at McKale Center, Tucson, Ariz., January 21, 2022.
University of Arizona vs Utah
Arizona Wildcats forward Lauren Ware (32) heads for the baskets despite a hand in the face from Utah Utes forward Peyton McFarland (42) in the first quarter of their Pac 12 basketball game at McKale Center, Tucson, Ariz., January 21, 2022.
Kelly Presnell
Photojournalist
Thomas knocked down six 3-pointers in the win and the Wildcats held on to a late lead despite a furious rally by Utah.
The Star's Bruce Pascoe breaks down the starting lineups, storylines and stats as the No. 3-ranked Arizona Wildcats travel to face the Cal Golden Bears Sunday afternoon in Berkeley.
The Star columnist shares how imperative Tommy Lloyd's team-first culture has been for the Arizona Wildcats, how Azuolas Tubelis' injury compares to other notable setbacks, and a basketball-heavy Sunday for the UA.