HOUSTON – Arizona women's basketball secured a 74-72 overtime victory against Houston on Saturday, Feb. 22, at Fertitta Center.
For the second straight game, four Wildcats scored in double figures to lead Arizona to the win. Jada Williams and Isis Beh paced the Wildcats with 18 points each, with Beh nearing a double-double, adding nine rebounds and two assists. Breya Cunningham recorded her fifth career double-double, finishing with 17 points, 15 rebounds, and two blocks. Skylar Jones rounded out the group with 16 points, five steals, and three assists.
Arizona led for just 10:22 compared to Houston's 31:07. The Cats clawed their way back from a 13-point deficit, eventually taking a three-point lead with five seconds left in regulation. Houston answered with a three-pointer to send the game into overtime, but the Wildcats prevailed by outscoring the Cougars 11-9 in the extra period.
The Wildcats excelled from the free-throw line, going 18-19 (94.7%), and shot 50% in the fourth quarter and overtimewhile limiting Houston to just five made field goals in those periods. Arizona also dominated inside, outscoring Houston 40-16 in the paint, and capitalized on turnovers with a 26-14 advantage in points off turnovers.
HOW IT HAPPENED
Arizona struggled early, trailing by 13 points in the fourth quarter before mounting a comeback. The Wildcats outscored Houston 22-11 in the final frame, with clutch free throws and defensive stops forcing overtime. In the extra period, Arizona's defense held strong, allowing just nine points, while timely baskets from Cunningham, Williams, and Jones sealed the victory.
NOTABLES
- Head coach Adia Barnes secured her 167th career win.
- 13 points is the largest deficit Arizona has successfully overcome to win a game this season.
- Arizona tied the all-time series with Houston at 1-1.
- Isis Beh recorded her second straight game in double figures with 18 points .
- Breya Cunningham matched her career-high in rebounds for the second time.
- Jada Williams is on a two-game streak of double figure scoring, while Skylar Jones notched her third consecutive game in double figures.
- The Wildcats remain undefeated (16-0) when scoring first.
- Arizona recorded more steals than its season average (10.4) for the second straight game.
