Arizona Women’s Basketball splits weekend action

TUCSON, AZ- Arizona Women’s Basketball (14-6, 4-5) caps off weekend action with a triple overtime loss to the UCLA Bruins at home.

It was a long one, but we finally have a winner from the UCLA – Arizona Women’s Basketball game, as the Bruins knocked off the Wildcats in a 3OT thriller.

It took four quarters and three overtimes, but the Wildcats couldn’t get it done against Pac-12 foe, UCLA, falling 98-93.

Arizona Wildcats

As the men’s basketball team was taking a beating at the hands of the of the Trojans and the Bruins, the Women’s Basketball team was competing hard back in Tucson.

Coming off back-to-back losses to the Oregon schools, the Wildcats returned to McKale on Friday evening to take on USC.

From the start it was a close one. USC and Arizona would be tied after after one, but a big second quarter by the Trojans would give them a 33-28 lead at the half.

That’s when Arizona came alive, exploding in the third quarter, taking a commanding lead, before ultimately cruising to the 71-68 win.

Arizona’s Aari McDonald would lead the way, scoring 20 points, and freshman Cate Reese added with 17 of her own.

Hoping to continue the solid basketball play, the Wildcats would return to the hardwood on Sunday afternoon, looking for the weekend sweep.

From the tip, you could tell it was going to be a good one. UCLA took the lead early, but Arizona came roaring back in the second to take a 33-30 lead at the half.

Both squads would tie the third the third, with Arizona needing to hold on to a slim, three-point lead to win. However, the Bruins would come out strong, eventually sending this one to overtime.

In front of a crowd of over 2,300, the fans in attendance would be dazzled with a gutty performance. After the first OT, both schools would still be tied 71.

In the second OT, UCLA would have the late lead 84-81, but a late three by McDonald would tie this one up in dramatic fashion to send it to a third overtime.

But that’s when Arizona would run out of gas as the Bruins held on to win 98-93. McDonald would finish the game with 35 points, but it wasn’t enough as the Wildcats fell.

With the loss, the Wildcats fall to 14-6 (4-5) on the season and will return to action on Friday evening, when they travel up to Tempe to take on rival ASU.

At Zona Zealots, we are proud of the way the Wildcats battled this weekend and can’t wait to see them play again and hopefully sweep ASU. Bear Down, Arizona!