LAS CRUCES, N.M. - Arizona Women's Basketball began its 2023-24 season on Monday at New Mexico State, defeating the Aggies 68-57.

Breya Cunningham impressed in her collegiate debut, dropping a double-double with 12 points on 6-of-7 shooting to go alongside 10 rebounds, five blocks and one assist. She was one of three Wildcats to score in double figures as Kailyn Gilbert scored 16 points and Maya Nnaji finished the night with 15. 
 

Making an impact early in her debut ???? @BreyaC2023 #MadeForIt x #LeaveALegacy pic.twitter.com/M4KdWveSD1

— Arizona Basketball (@ArizonaWBB) November 7, 2023

Neither team was able to get much going offensively in the initial part of the first quarter, but the Wildcats led New Mexico State 10-1 at the first timeout. Salimatou Kourouma had five of Arizona's points with Gilbert and Nnaji also contributing.

Nnaji dropped nine points in the second quarter that included a three-pointer as well as a fast-break layup off of a steal on back-to-back possessions. She closed out the period with two rebounds, two assists and a steal. Cunningham was also a force in the second quarter, making both shots that she took, hauling in three rebounds and making three blocks. 

In the third quarter, Esmery Martinez added a quick three points with a made free throw and a putback jumper off a rebound. Martinez finished the night with nine points and two assists.

Gilbert became the third Wildcat to score in double digits in the fourth quarter, putting a three in the bucket on the first possession of the period and adding a layup a few minutes later. Her final stat line included a career-best nine rebounds, three steals and two assists. 

Arizona dominated in the paint, scoring 40 points to New Mexico State's 20. The Wildcats held the Aggies to 34.5% shooting for the game and just six points in the first quarter.

Arizona returns to Tucson for its first home matchup of the season Friday, Nov. 10 at 6:30 p.m. as it takes on Northern Arizona in McKale Center.