Women's Basketball Grinds Out Road Win at UCSB

Junior Candice Warthen scored 18 points and senior Kama Griffitts grabbed 11 rebounds to lead Arizona women’s basketball (1-2) to a 51-49 road victory at Santa Barbara (1-1) on Saturday.

“It was a grind-out game for us,” Arizona head coach Niya Butts said. “For us to lose the last two games in that fashion—it was good to actually win one that we had to play to the very end. We know now that we can win those types of games.”

The UA freshmen also stepped up to assist in the win.

LaBrittney Jones posted five points and six rebounds, including two crucial free throws to give Arizona a two-point edge in the final minute.

Breanna Workman recorded eight points and six rebounds and Ashley Merrill had seven points and five rebounds.

Both teams struggled offensively in the first half, shooting under 40 percent, but Arizona committed 11 turnovers, while UCSB only committed seven.

The Gauchos came out on fire in the second half, but the Wildcats fueled a 9-2 run in the last six minutes to control the end of the game and finish with a win.

Nicole Nesbit and Destini Mason led UCSB with 18 and 10 points, respectively.

The Wildcats will open their home season on Wednesday, Nov. 20 to host Stephen F. Austin at McKale Center at 7 p.m.

For complete results and continued coverage of Arizona women’s basketball, visit ArizonaWildcats.com, or follow on Twitter @ArizonaWBBall.