PARADISE ISLAND, Bahamas - Esmery Martinez had a double-double on Arizona's way to a 90-67 win over Memphis in the Wildcats' first-round matchup at the Battle4Atlantis. The 90 points were the most in a game by the Wildcats this season.
Martinez finished the day with 19 points (7-of-11), 11 rebounds, four steals and two assists. She was joined in double figures by Maya Nnaji (15 points), Salimatou Kourouma (14 points) and Kailyn Gilbert (13 points).
Nnaji's point total tied her career high, and the sophomore stuffed the stat sheet with five rebounds, four assists, three steals and a block.
The Wildcats jumped out to an early lead, limiting Memphis to one made shot in the first three minutes of play. Arizona opened the game making three of its first four shots. Martinez had five of the Wildcats' initial eight points after making three foul shots and converting an and-one.
Martinez and Nnaji were in double digits before the first half was over, and Martinez had six rebounds and two steals in her stat line before the break.
Arizona shot 55.9% from the field, its best field goal percentage of the season. Kourouma sank 87.5% of her shots, going 7-of-8. The Wildcats additionally outscored Memphis in the paint 48-28.
The Cats continued a streak of turning their opponents over at high rates, forcing 22 turnovers. The number marked the most for Memphis in a game this season.
The Wildcats will face No. 25 Ole Miss at 10:00 a.m. MST Sunday, Nov. 19 in the next round of the Battle4Atlantis.
