Two former Pac-12 rivals renew acquaintances Sunday night when Oregon State faces Arizona at McKale Center at ALKEME Arena in a matchup featuring two teams looking to establish their identities early in the season.
Both teams enter the game at 7 p.m. with 2-1 records, but they arrive with different momentum and different questions to answer.
Oregon State has won consecutive games after an opening-night setback and will be playing away from home for the first time this season.
Arizona returns to McKale Center looking to regroup after a difficult road loss to defending national champion UCLA, another former Pac-12 rival.
For the Beavers, the challenge is translating their recent offensive production and rebounding dominance into a potentially hostile road environment.
For the Wildcats, it’s an opportunity to protect their home floor, take advantage of their athleticism and demonstrate that their revamped roster can compete against an experienced opponent.
The game will be televised by ESPN+ with Cindy Brunson and Joan Bonvicini calling the action. Derrick Palmer will be the broadcaster on Freedom 1400-AM.
Oregon State leads the series 40-36.
The most recent meeting came on Jan. 12, 2024, when the Beavers defeated Arizona 73-70 in double overtime in Corvallis, Ore.
Arizona has won the last three meetings against Oregon State in Tucson. The Wildcats hold a 22-15 advantage over the Beavers in games played at McKale Center.
This game begins a new two-year home-and-home arrangement between the former conference rivals, with Arizona traveling to Corvallis next season.
“We were intentional in building a non-conference schedule that will challenge us and prepare us for the level of competition that we will see in the Big 12,” Arizona coach Becky Burke has mentioned about the Wildcats’ schedule. “Each game will play an important role in our development while giving us an opportunity to build a strong NCAA Tournament resume.”
Oregon State’s early-season story has been one of offensive balance, improved interior production and the continued importance of its experienced backcourt.
The Beavers opened the season with a disappointing 79-77 loss to California Baptist but responded with an 85-64 victory over Eastern Washington and a 77-53 win against Northwest Nazarene.
The most encouraging development has been the team’s ability to generate offense from multiple positions.
Jenna Villa has emerged as Oregon State’s leading scoring threat. She is averaging 22 points per game through the first three contests, including a 33-point performance against Eastern Washington.
Villa connected on all six of her 3-point attempts against Eastern Washington.
She has opened the season with 19 consecutive made free throws.
“The next challenge for her: ‘Not only can I put up 30 points, how much can I create for my teammates with the defense focusing on me?'” Oregon State coach Scott Rueck said.
The challenge Sunday will be whether Arizona can limit Villa’s opportunities without allowing Oregon State’s other players to take advantage of the defensive attention she attracts.
Kennedie Shuler helps Oregon State operate offensively, averaging 10.3 points, 7.0 assists and 3.3 steals per game. She has recorded seven assists in each of Oregon State’s first three games.
Shuler finished with 15 points, seven assists and six steals against Northwest Nazarene on Wednesday.
“Kenn trained like crazy this summer,” Rueck said. “She has prepared herself for what is ahead at the highest level. She looks great and is ready to lead us.”
Oregon State freshmen Taylor Young and Evelini Smith are productive. Young is averaging 14.3 points per game. Smith recorded her first collegiate double-double against Northwest Nazarene, finishing with 12 points and 11 rebounds.
Arizona enters the game with a combination of talent, youth and uncertainty.
The Wildcats opened their season with an impressive 84-69 victory over Stanford in Las Vegas and followed that with a 74-61 win over Iona at McKale.
Arizona lost 76-44 to No. 10 UCLA on Thursday, shooting just 24.1 percent from the field.
The Wildcats have 11 newcomers on their roster, making chemistry and consistency significant early-season priorities for Burke.
One of Arizona’s most productive players has been redshirt reserve sophomore Breanna Williams, a transfer who played for former Arizona standout Brenda Frese at Maryland.
Williams is averaging 13 points and six rebounds per game while shooting 53.8 percent from the field.
She opened her Arizona career with 23 points and nine rebounds against Stanford before recording 12 points and seven rebounds against Iona.
She had only four points (on 1-of-6 shooting from the field) and two rebounds against UCLA.
Senior Sumayah Sugapong is averaging 10 points per game and leads Arizona with 2.7 steals per game.
One of only two returners, Sugapong will play the 100th collegiate game of her career on Sunday.
Her defensive activity could be a major factor against Shuler and Villa, particularly if Arizona can use turnovers to create transition opportunities.
Freshmen Jasleen Green and Makayla Presser-Palmer have started all three games.
Green is averaging 9.7 points while shooting 52.6 percent from the field. Presser-Palmer is contributing 8.0 points and 4.7 rebounds per game.
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