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Arizona Women’s Basketball handles WTAMU in Exhibition

By Eric Townsend

TUCSON, ARIZONA - FEBRUARY 26: Head coach Adia Barnes of the Arizona Wildcats instructs her team during the game against the USC Trojans at McKale Center on February 26, 2022 in Tucson, Arizona. (Photo by Rebecca Noble/Getty Images)
TUCSON, ARIZONA - FEBRUARY 26: Head coach Adia Barnes of the Arizona Wildcats instructs her team during the game against the USC Trojans at McKale Center on February 26, 2022 in Tucson, Arizona. (Photo by Rebecca Noble/Getty Images) /
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TUCSON, AZ – Kicking off 2022-23 with an Exhibition matchup, No. 19 Arizona Women’s Basketball cruised to the 86-63 win over WTAMU. 

The 2022-23 Arizona Women’s Basketball season is underway, and after months of anticipation, the Wildcats unofficially tipped off the season in McKale last night.

Hoping to build off a respectable 2021-22 season, head coach Adia Barnes and the Wildcats returned to the hardwood with an exhibition matchup against Western Texas A&M University (WTAMU).

Coming in, there is plenty of hype surrounding the Wildcats, and rightfully so! Arizona returns a lot of great talent, and they also brought in one of the best recruiting class for 2022.

And from the start, Arizona looked primed  as they tipped on their 2022-23 action.

Jumping out to a dominant first-half lead, Arizona Women’s Basketball would eventually cruise to the 86-63 win.

From the tip, the Wildcats were ready to roll in this one, especially as they used a strong first-quarter surge that put Arizona in front with a 26-12 lead!

Continuing to rely on a strong defensive effort and transition offense, the Wildcats quickly extended their lead as they went into halftime in front 46-24.

Arizona’s Cate Reese and Jade Loville led the way for the Wildcats at the break, scoring 11 points and 10 points respectively.

Returning to action in the second half, WTAMU came ready to play in the third quarter as they brought the intensity. Hanging step-for-step most of the way, WTAMU trailed Arizona just 64-39 entering the fourth.

Looking to close things out, Arizona would hit cruise control in the fourth as they were outscored 24-22 in the final period. Luckily, Arizona did most of its damage in the first half, cruising to the 86-63 win.

Led by Loville who would score 20 points for the Cats, the former Sun Devil shined in her debut with the Cats. Arizona would also get great contributions from Reese who would score 13 points and grab six rebounds. Arizona’s Paris Clark and Kailyn Gilbert would add 11 and 10 points respectively.

With the victory, the Wildcats start the year off on the right foot and will have one more tune-up game against CSU Los Angeles next Wednesday before officially kicking off the 2022-23 season against Northern Arizona on November 10.

Trending. Several Arizona Basketball players make preseason Pac-12 lists. light

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