TUCSON, Ariz. – The Arizona Wildcats (9-2) defeated the Portland State Vikings (6-6) by a score of 75-52 on Tuesday night at McKale Center.

"We are getting better and I am happy with the way we finished the non-conference season," head coach Adia Barnes said. "We took care of what we needed to and we hit some goals. After both losses we bounced back and played better the next games."
 
Lauren Evans scored a career-high 13 points tonight on 6-6 shooting in 26 minutes off the bench. The senior also knocked down her first-career three-pointer in the first half.

"She had an incredible game and played some great basketball tonight," Barnes said. "What I love about Lauren is that she is consistent and I know what she is going to bring every day. She played a lot of positions and that is hard. She is also a really good teammate."
 
Breanna Workman scored 10 points and grabbed five rebounds, while her fellow senior Malena Washington scored 10 points and had three rebounds and assists.
 
Arizona was particular efficient from the field as they shot 50% compared to Portland State's 38%. Arizona is now 9-0 when shooting better than their opponent. The Wildcats were sharing the ball tonight especially well as they dished out a season-high 20 assists on 32 made shots.
 
It was a tightly contested first quarter as the Wildcats and Vikings were tied at 14 at the end of the first period. Washington led the way early with eight first-quarter points. With about a minute to go, Taryn Griffey checked into the game for the first time since Dec. 4 against New Mexico State.
 
Arizona locked it down defensively in the second quarter as they allowed just nine points, which helped give the Wildcats a 28-21 lead going into halftime. Bria Rice scored five points in the first half, which set a new career high for the freshman.
 
It was another outstanding third quarter for the Wildcats as they outscored the Vikings 29-17 in the period while shooting 63%, which included a 19-4 run. At the 7:27 mark, LaBrittney Jones recorded her 122nd career blocked shot, which moves her into fourth all time in Arizona history, passing Marte Alexander.
 
Arizona finished the game out nicely as they scored 18 fourth-quarter points to preserve the victory. Farrin Bell entered the game with four minutes to play and scored four quick points and had two blocks.

With that, Arizona has wrapped up their non-conference slate and will begin conference play on Thursday, Dec. 29 as they host the California Golden Bears at 7 p.m. MST in McKale Center.
 
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