The Arizona women’s basketball team used another second half rally to win, this time a thrilling 78-77 win over USC that came down to the final minute.
Here’s five stats that tell the story of how the No. 7 Wildcats found a way to get it done Sunday afternoon at McKale Center.
55
The combined points by Aari McDonald and Cate Reese. McDonald hit the 30-point mark for the first time this season — a feat she accomplished just twice last year. Cate Reese chipped in a season-high 25 points on 8-of-14 shooting and was also impressive at the free throw line hitting 9 of 11.
The duo accounted for 70.5% of Arizona’s offense.
18-3
Midway through the third quarter, the Wildcats trailed the Trojans 53-42. Arizona then went on a 18-3 run to finish the frame and took a 60-56 lead into the fourth.
During that run, Lauren Ware, McDonald and Reese combined for all 18 of UA’s points.
“A couple years ago, we wouldn’t have come back from these deficits,” McDonald said. “It just shows how competitive we are.”
12
Freshman forward Ware continued to prove why she will be an important part of the team this season as she posted her first double-double in an Arizona uniform.
Ware had 12 points and led the team with 12 rebounds
“She’s going to be a star in our conference, ” Adia Barnes said of the freshman.
.111
If there’s something the Wildcats need to improve on after three games, it’s their 3-point shooting. The team shot 1 of 9 (11.1%) from beyond the arc, something Barnes says she expects to get better.
2
Arizona has now swept the Los Angeles schools at home two years in a row.
“Getting a split was how it used to be (for Arizona),” Barnes said. “Now we are expected to win both and it’s a very different role that none of us have been in.”
