Arizona Women’s Basketball comes up just short in Title run

SAN ANTONIO, TX – It was a valiant effort, but it ultimately wasn’t enough as the Arizona Women’s Basketball team (21-6, 13-4) came up short in the hopes for a National Title. 

Aari McDonald finished with 22 points, three rebounds, two assists, and two steals, and Shaina Pellington added 15 points, seven rebounds, and three steals, but it ultimately wasn’t enough for the Arizona Women’s Basketball team as they saw their title hopes dashed against a tough Stanford squad.

The Wildcats would have a chance to cap off a miraculous run with 6.1 seconds to go when they inbounded the ball, but as fate would have it, Stanford put all the pressure on McDonald, forcing a bad shot and securing their first championship since 1992.

Arizona Wildcats

Coming in, Arizona lost the previous two games against Stanford by a combined 41 points, so already this matchup didn’t favor the Wildcats. However, as we’ve all seen all tournament long, it is that Arizona has continued to be doubted, and they have responded accordingly.

The Cardinal would start strong, opening the game on a 12-3 run, and through much of the first quarter, they would control the game using efficient offense, as well as holding Arizona to just eight points on 3-19 shooting.

Arizona would respond by opening the second quarter on a 13-4 run to pull ahead for the first and only lead at 21-20, but as we saw all game long, every time the Wildcats would get close, Stanford would close the door, ending the half on an 11-3 run to lead 31-24.

Arizona Women’s Basketball would put together a strong second half, but in the end, it wasn’t quite enough as they came up just short.

Needing a strong start to the second half, the Wildcats wouldn’t get it as Stanford was once again the tougher team, extending their lead from seven up to as many as 11 at 37-26.

However, just as we have seen them do it all season, the Wildcats responded, ending the half on a 14-6 run to pull within three to end the third quarter.

Down 43-40, everything would come down to the last and final quarter of the 2021 NCAA Championship.

Arizona would play their best defensive quarter yet, holding the Cardinal to just 11 points. But once again, the Cats got down early at 49-40, before responding and clawing back into this one.

The Wildcats would pull within one with 37 seconds to go, and they would even give themselves a chance as the Cardinal would turn the ball over with six seconds left.

Needing a miracle, Arizona would get one last look, but it ultimately wasn’t enough as Aari forced a shot while defended by three, Stanford players to end the game.

With the loss, the Wildcats end their miraculous run just short of an NCAA Title, finishing the year with a 21-6 (13-4) record. Meanwhile, Aari and Sam Thomas end their careers with the Wildcats, leaving the program in great shape for the next slew of talented Wildcats.

Great season, ladies! As always, Bear Down!