No. 19 Arizona Women’s Basketball routs Northern Arizona

TUCSON, AZ – Making a statement in their first game for 2022-23, No. 19 Arizona Women’s Basketball (1-0) cruised to the 113-56 win over Northern Arizona.  

Finally, returning to McKale Center to open the 2022-23 season, Adia Barnes and the No. 19 Arizona Women’s Basketball team made a statement in their home opener, against Northern Arizona.

Fueled by a collective team effort in this one, seven different Wildcats finished in double-figures! However, it was Shaina Pellington and Esmery Martinez that led the way, scoring 20 points each on a combined 14-22 shooting.

Arizona’s Lauren Fields, Jade Loville, and Cate Reese also had respectable days, each finishing with 12 points, 11 points, and 10 points respectively!

Jumping out to a commanding 56-26 halftime lead, No. 19 Arizona Women’s Basketball cruised to the 57-point win.

Starting the game but outscoring the Lumberjacks 27-17 in the first quarter, the Wildcat’s offense was dominant, getting out in transition and making some big shots.

Luckily for us, the Wildcats would tighten their defensive intensity in the second quarter, using a stifling effort that led to more offense as they outpaced the Lumberjacks 29-9 in the quarter and pulled ahead 56-26 at halftime.

Picking up right where they left off, Arizona would open the second half on a 19-4 run to take a commanding, 75-30 lead with 4:39 to play.

Luckily, the intensity wouldn’t stop there as the Wildcats closed out the quarter by outscoring the Lumberjacks 16-9.

Leading 91-39 entering the fourth, Arizona would use another strong effort in the fourth quarter as the Wildcats bench outscored NAU 22-17 in the final quarter to run away with the 57-point win!

With the win, the Wildcats start the season off on the right foot by going 1-0. No. 19 Arizona will resume basketball action on Sunday when they welcome CSU Northridge to McKale Center. Tip-off for Sunday is slated at 5:00 PM MST.

Don’t forget to follow us at @ZonaZealots on Twitter and like our fan page on Facebook for continued coverage of Arizona news, opinions, and recruiting updates!