Senior forward Isis Beh puts thumbprint on Arizona's victory in final preseason tune-up

It was hard not to notice Isis Beh Tuesday night in McKale Center.

The 6-3 senior forward was involved in so many plays, as Arizona beat Cal State LA 82-53 in the UA women’s basketball program’s final preseason tune-up before Monday afternoon’s regular-season opener against UT-Arlington at home.

It didn’t matter if she was on the offensive end, the defensive end or even on the bench, her thumbprint was all over this game.

“She’s one of our most improved players by far,” Arizona coach Adia Barnes said.

“You see her on all ball defense, her rotation, the way she moves on the floor, the way she runs the floor. She’s always been a good post passer, but she’s improved so much. I’m so happy for her.”

Beh had an efficient six points (2 of 2 from the field; 2 of 2 from the line). Barnes said she would like Beh to look to shoot more, but she also did a number of little things that the Wildcats value. And she stuffed the stat sheet with six steals, three assists, two offensive rebounds and one block.

It seemed like every time you looked up, Beh was on the ground going after a 50/50 ball or tipping the ball, coming up with the steal and running the floor almost guard-like.

In one early sequence in the second quarter, after Beh picked a steal, it was a quick pass to Jada Williams, who dumped it down low to Skylar Jones for two points.

Beh’s presence was felt at times the mere moment she stepped on the court. At the end of the third quarter, Beh checked into the game and seconds later poked the ball out of bounds.

On the bench in the fourth quarter, Beh could be seen directing her young teammates on the court how to set up for an offensive possession. She is directing those around her when she’s checked into the game, as well. This is a different side of Beh’s growth this season.

“It’s a big step,” Barnes said. “I named her and Jada captains the other day. It’s a big responsibility, and it’s hard. It’s supposed to be hard, but I think she deserves that. I think she’s looks like a fifth year, she acts like a fifth year, and she’s not afraid to do that. Those little things matter; playing hard and diving on the floor and bringing energy and being a good teammate, being great on the bench.

“I love that kind of stuff. That’s culture, and that’s really something I value. And Isis has been doing all that and consistent. I know what to expect from her.”

Playing like a team

Arizona’s system — both offensively and defensively — took another step forward in just a few days from Friday to Tuesday night.

On offense, the Wildcats were playing together, passing and looking for that high percentage, great shot. They had 20 assists on 32 made field goals.

Williams, a sophomore, said with each passing day, they understand each other’s games more. Knowing these tendencies helped Williams and 2024-25 newcomers Paulina Paris and Lauryn Swann — Paris a junior transfer; Swann a freshman — combine for 13 of those 20 assists.

Barnes said she knew her team wouldn’t come out energized as they’ve had tough practices — something that’s part of her process of the Wildcats working hard between games to continue improving. This was especially true on defense.

Barnes was happy seeing the real-time improvement of freshman Katarina Kneževic. In Tuesday afternoon’s shoot around, the Wildcats spent an extra 15 minutes on a defensive tactic.

“Katarina did it right in the game,” Barnes said. “I was happy about that, because it translated. I like when we do stuff and focus on something that translates.”

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And while it did take a moment for the defense to settle in, once it got going, the Wildcats were on a roll.

“I think when one person gets a steal, the other person’s like, ‘oh, let’s go. Let’s go,’” Williams said. “It’s a rally. I think momentum is a huge help on defense. The fans help a ton on defense, whether you believe it or not. I think just feeling comfortable, having trust in each other, knowing they have our back in help, we can pressure more. We can trap more; things like that.”

The Wildcats ended up with 14 steals; Arizona scored 45 points off 30 total Cal State LA turnovers.

Sweet Seats

Tracy Noland has sat in the same seats at McKale Center for six years. They are two rows behind the Wildcats bench. She said landing these seats was just a matter of good timing.

“We got in right before the big rush to get season tickets,” Noland said. “You couldn’t beat Aari McDonald and Sam Thomas — the things they did. It’s like you’ve got to watch them, and then you just fall in love with the team. I like the effort. I like the improvement you can see from year to year.”

Sitting this close, Noland sees and hears just about everything. On this night, it was UA assistant Salvo Coppa yelling, “No more fouls.”

Noland also noticed Barnes giving instructions to her players and smiling.

“It’s been a while since I’ve seen her smile like that. She was just happy. That was good.”

Tuesday was also an extremely physical game. For about 10 minutes or so, it seemed like Wildcats were getting punched in the face over and over. UA trainer was checking on Beh’s tooth after she got hit in the mouth. He was also helping Williams, after she got hit by her opponent the second time in the same quarter. This time, Noland and those around her could hear Williams saying, “I hurt my tongue,” (she bit it). Jameson gave her gauze to put on her tongue while she sat at the end of the bench.

For Noland, the best thing about following these Wildcats is getting to know them. And it doesn’t hurt that she sits so close.

“I’m grateful that we grabbed these seats before everybody else started getting them,” Noland said.

Rim Shots

• Montaya Dew did not dress on Tuesday night as she is battling strep throat. She is on medication and the doctor cleared her to sit on the bench during the exhibition.
• The sophomores led in scoring as Jones had 16 points, Williams put up 15 and Breya Cunningham had 14.
• Barnes inserted freshman Mailien Rolf in the starting lineup in place of Jones.

“I thought Mailien has given us consistent energy, consistently, a great teammate; she’s coachable,” Barnes said. “I know what to expect from her day in and day out and I really value that. That’s why. She never has a bad attitude; she never has poor body language, and that’s the standard. If you’re going to not have those things, you’re not going to start here. I don’t care how good you are. I think that she exemplifies those things, and she’s does it every single day.”

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Photos: University of Arizona vs Cal State LA, exhibition basketball