TUCSON, ARIZ. – The Arizona women's basketball team secured their first Big 12  home victory against Cincinnati Wednesday night in McKale Center, defeating the Bearcats 72-62.

The Wildcat victory was fueled by double digit scoring from four Cats. Skylar Jones led the charge, putting up 16 points in addition to five rebounds and two assists in 16 minutes marking her first game in double-figure scoring in five games. Jada Williams followed Jones closely with 14 points, while Paulina Paris and Lauryn Swann tallied 10 points apiece for Arizona.

Breya Cunningham ended the night just shy of a double-double with a career-high 15 rebounds and 9 points. The last time a Wildcat had 15 or more rebounds was February of 2024.

The Cats had a strong shooting night, shooting 50% from the field for the second consecutive game and 40.9% from beyond the arc for the second consecutive game. Arizona held Cinicinnati to 32.9% field goal shooting including only two points scored in the first quarter. 

HOW IT HAPPENED

Arizona started off strong, outscoring the Bearcats 15-2 in the first quarter on 50% shooting from the field and three three-pointers. Despite improved scoring from Cincinnati in the second quarter, the Cats maintained a double-digit lead, going into the half with a 32-22 lead. 

The game drew closer in the second half, with the Bearcats outscoring Arizona 24-21 to bring the score within 10. However, Arizona retained shooting accuracy to pull through for the win, shooting 54% from the field in the latter half of the game. The Wildcat bench, with Jones at the helm, was a strong scoring force, putting up 18 points in the second half. Jones earned all 16 of her points in the second half, shooting 6-of-8 in the paint and 2-of-3 from beyond the arc. 

Notables:

• This was the Cats' first home conference victory.
• The Cats are now 13-8 on the season and secured a win in their first ever game against Cincinnati.
• Paulina Paris surpassed 100 career assists with two assists tonight. With her 10 points, she sits at 486 career points.
• Lauryn Swann earned her seventh game with double-digit points.
• Jada Williams had her ninth straight game scoring double digits.
• Cunningham's 15 rebounds was a career high and are the most scored by a Wildcat in a single game since February 2024. She is four points away from 500 career points.
• With five points tonight, Isis Beh sits at 469 career points. 
• Adia Barnes improves to 163 wins with the win over Cincinnati.