PULLMAN, Wash. – The Arizona Wildcats (12-13, 3-11 Pac-12) erased a 12-point first-quarter deficit as they defeated the Washington State Cougars (10-15, 5-9 Pac-12) by a score of 70-62 in Pullman on Sunday afternoon. Arizona had an outstanding second half as they outscored the Cougars 43-30 in the final 20 minutes.
LaBrittney Jones climbed the charts once again on Sunday afternoon as she had a monster game. On the day, she scored 22 points, had 15 rebounds, dished out five assists and had four blocks. 15 rebounds ties her career high and five assists is a new career high for the senior. That is also the fourth time this season Jones has blocked four shots in a game.
Jones is now 14th on Arizona's all-time scoring list with 1,167 career points, is eighth on Arizona's all-time rebounding list with 657 career boards and is third with 148 career blocks.
Malena Washington broke out of her slump as she scored 21 while draining three three-pointers. That is her highest scoring effort since Jan. 6 and it is also the most three-pointers she has made since Jan. 15.
JaLea Bennett had a productive night for the Wildcats as she scored 11 points and had three rebounds. That is the first time Bennett has hit double-figures since Jan. 22.
As a team, Arizona shot 45% from the field and 50% alone in the second half. The Wildcats also controlled the glass as they outrebounded Washington State 42-30. Free throws were also a deciding factor as Arizona shot 18-21 from the charity stripe for the game.
Washington State scored 16 points off turnovers in the first quarter, giving them a 20-10 lead at the end of the first period. Arizona responded well in the second quarter though as they outscored the Cougars 17-12 to make the score 32-27 Washington State at the half. Jones had nine points and seven rebounds after 20 minutes of action.
The third quarter was a good one for the Wildcats as they outscored Washington State 21-14 to take a 48-46 lead into the fourth quarter. Washington scored 13 points and made three three-pointers. Arizona controlled the fourth quarter as well as they outscored the Cougars 22-16, giving them their first victory since Jan. 15.
The next time the Wildcats are in action is on Friday, Feb. 17 as Arizona welcomes in-state rivals Arizona State. Tipoff is set for 7 p.m. MST on the Pac-12 Networks.
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