TUCSON, Ariz. – Arizona women's basketball closed out its home schedule with a 66-57 victory over Texas Tech on Tuesday night at McKale Center. The Wildcats honored seniors Ajae Yoakum and Isis Beh in a pregame ceremony before securing their ninth conference win of the season.
Three Wildcats scored in double figures to lead the team offensively. Isis Beh paced Arizona with 15 points and added four rebounds and two assists. Jada Williams followed with 14 points, knocking down two three-pointers and going a perfect 4-for-4 from the free-throw line. Paulina Paris chipped in 11 points while leading the team with four assists and collecting three steals.
On the defensive end, Montaya Dew controlled the boards, grabbing a team-high eight rebounds, while Breya Cunningham added six. The Wildcats limited Texas Tech to just 21.7% (5-23) from three-point range, while shooting 48.9% (23-47) from the field themselves.
HOW IT HAPPENED
Arizona and Texas Tech battled through a tight first half, with the Wildcats holding a 25-24 lead at the break. The game featured 16 lead changes and eight ties, as both teams traded baskets through the first three quarters.
The Wildcats found their rhythm in the second half, outscoring the Lady Raiders 18-11 in the third quarter and stretching their lead to 11 points in the final period. A three-pointer from Jada Williams at the 3:26 mark of the fourth quarter gave Arizona its largest lead of the night, securing control down the stretch.
NOTABLES
- Arizona held Texas Tech to just 28.6% shooting (4-14) in the third quarter, a pivotal defensive stand that allowed the Wildcats to build their lead.
- Isis Beh recorded her third straight game in double figures.
- Jada Williams has now scored in double figures in three consecutive games.
- Arizona's 18th overall win marks head coach Adia Barnes' 7th straight season with 18 or more program wins.
- Arizona's bench outscored Texas Tech's 22-19, providing crucial depth in the win.
With the victory, the Wildcats improved to 18-12 overall and 9-8 in conference play. The Cats look to closeout the regular season at Arizona State Saturday, March 1 with tip-off set for 4 p.m. MST.
