Arizona women’s basketball team faced their first defeat of the season, losing 75-92 to Northern Arizona on Wednesday evening at the Rolle Activity Center. The Wildcats, who had been riding high with a strong start to their season, struggled to contain the Lumberjacks, who shot exceptionally well and took advantage of Arizona’s foul troubles.
Paulina Paris led the Wildcats with a season-high 20 points and eight rebounds. She showcased her versatility by contributing on both ends of the floor, adding three of Arizona’s five three-pointers to the tally. Sahnya Jah, a rising star for the Wildcats, posted a career-high 16 points and three rebounds, proving to be a valuable offensive weapon. Breya Cunningham and Mailien Rolf also played important roles, contributing 11 and 10 points respectively.
Despite these efforts, the Wildcats were plagued by foul trouble early in the game. Both Isis Beh and Breya Cunningham fouled out with over five minutes remaining, leaving Arizona shorthanded and unable to keep up with Northern Arizona’s aggressive play. The team’s overall performance was also hampered by their struggles from beyond the arc (5-for-16, 31.3%) and from the free-throw line (10-for-18, 55.6%).
Arizona shot an overall 46.9% from the field, which typically would be enough to secure a win, but Northern Arizona capitalized on their opportunities. The Lumberjacks shot an impressive 60% in the third quarter, maintaining a steady offensive pace throughout the game. As a result, they were able to build and maintain their lead. Additionally, NAU converted 22 of 29 free throws (75.9%), further extending their advantage and forcing Arizona to play catch-up.
Nyah Moran was the standout player for Northern Arizona, leading the team with 22 points. She was one of six Lumberjacks to score in double figures, demonstrating the depth of their scoring attack. Arizona, despite strong individual performances, couldn’t match the balanced offensive output from Northern Arizona.
While this loss is a setback for the Wildcats, it’s clear that Arizona’s strong start to the season has earned them the opportunity to regroup and focus on future games. The team will look to bounce back when they return home to face Grambling State on Saturday, November 23, 2024, at 6 p.m. MST. Arizona (5-1) will aim to correct their mistakes from this loss and continue building momentum as the season progresses.
This game was a reminder that no matter how strong a team’s individual performances are, basketball is a team sport, and consistent execution across all areas—shooting, defense, and free throws—is crucial for success. Arizona’s next challenge will be to learn from this defeat and return to their winning ways.
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