TUCSON, Ariz - Arizona controlled the game from the opening tip and never let Kansas State recover in a 72-62 Big 12 win Tuesday night at McKale Center.

The Wildcats (11-11, 2-9 Big 12) set the tone immediately with a dominant first quarter, outscoring Kansas State 27-11 behind hot shooting and an aggressive transition attack. Arizona led for nearly 40 minutes and built its advantage to as many as 18 in the second quarter.

Noelani Cornfield led Arizona with 21 points on 8-of-17 shooting, adding four rebounds and three assists. Blessing Adebanjo chipped in with a carrer-high 17 points and anchored the defensive efforts with six blocked shots. 

Arizona shot 47.3% from the field and knocked down 16 of 20 free throws. The Wildcats also turned defense into offense, finishing with 17 fast-break points.

After Kansas State trimmed the deficit to single digits in the second quarter, Arizona responded coming out of halftime. The Wildcats scored 21 points in the third quarter, with Cornfield and Sumayah Sugapong helping stretch the margin back to double figures. Sugapong finished with 12 points and a team-high 13 rebounds in her eighth straight game in double-figures to anchor the interior.

Kansas State (12-12, 5-6) shot 38.3% and was led by Tess Heal's 18 points and Taryn Sides' 13, but the Wildcats from Manhattan could not overcome Arizona's early surge. Kansas State never held a lead and trailed 39:42 of game time.

The victory snaps a skid for Arizona and gives the Wildcats a needed conference boost heading into the second half of Big 12 play.

The Wildcats will look to continue their success on Saturday, February 7th, in Morgantown, WV, at 12:00 p.m. MST against West Virginia. This game will be streamed live on ESPN+ ($).