TUCSON, Ariz. — When an opposing team hits three-fourths of its shots from three-point range, as Arizona did Sunday against Washington in women’s basketball, there’s not much left to do other than give credit where credit is due.
That’s exactly what Huskies coach Jody Wynn did after the Wildcats posted a 75-53 Pac-12 victory.
“Arizona caught fire from beyond the arc today and credit to them for stepping up and knocking down those shots,” Wynn said. “Twelve of 16 is outstanding. They are a very disruptive defensive team with good experience and will be a very dangerous team in the NCAA tournament.”
The 10th-ranked Wildcats (14-2, 12-2 Pac-12) are after their first NCAA bid since 2005 and wanted to send their seniors — Trinity Baptiste, Aari McDonald and Sam Thomas — out on a high note on Senior Night. The trio combined for 47 points, led by McDonald and Thomas’ 20-point efforts. Thomas was 6 of 8 from three-point distance in her season-high scoring effort, while McDonald, a former Husky who is expected to be a first-round draft choice in the WNBA when she leaves college, tied a season-high with eight assists and added three steals to go along with her 20 points.
“Sam was aggressive,” Arizona coach Adia Barnes said. “She was looking for her shot, feeling it. We know Sam is always going to be constant and consistent on her defense. But when she is looking for her shot and she’s hitting them, we’re just a better team overall.”
Besides hitting 55% overall from the field, the Wildcats ran the floor well, racing to a 19-1 advantage in fast-break points.
The Huskies (5-11, 2-11 Pac-12) had some strong individual performances, leaving Wynn pleased with her team’s effort.
“I think our women battled, stayed aggressive and fought until the end,” Wynn said.
Sophomore Quay Miller fell just short of a double-double with 13 points and nine rebounds, while junior Haley Van Dyke continued her impressive run with 12 points, four rebounds, three assists and two steals.
Senior Khayla Rooks added nine points in what could be her final appearance in an arena that her dad, Sean Rooks, was so instrumental in helping establish as one of the toughest venues to play.
The Huskies’ next game is Friday at home against Utah.