Wildcats showcase balanced scoring and strong defense in convincing win
The Arizona women’s basketball team picked up a decisive 75-62 victory over UC Irvine on Sunday at McKale Center, extending their early-season momentum with two wins to start the Becky Burke era.
Arizona’s balanced offense, tenacious defense, and team depth proved too much for the Anteaters, who struggled to keep pace throughout the game played in front of 5,268 fans.
Key contributors included Mickayla Perdue and Noelani Cornfield, each making significant plays on both ends of the court.
Perdue scored 31 points behind five 3-pointers and Cornfield produced 14 points and 12 assists. Her assists are the most since Aari McDonald had 14 in 2019.
Cornfield also had five steals.
Perdue started and played the full 40 minutes after she did not start in Thursday’s win over UC Riverside.
Perdue played all 40 minutes against UC Irvine after playing 34 against UC Riverside. She had 17 points in that game.
“I never lost confidence in her by any means,” Burke said. “This is challenging her to be the best she can be. She starts dogging again this week in practice, and we’ll send her the same message like that.”
Daniah Trammell added 13 points on 5-of-7 shooting from the field.
The Wildcats’ defensive intensity created turnovers, fueling fast-break opportunities and helping Arizona build a comfortable lead.
UC Irvine (1-1) fought hard, but Arizona’s consistency and teamwork ultimately controlled the game.
Arizona’s defense held UC Irvine to 37.8 percent shooting from the field and 23.5 percent from beyond the arc.
The Wildcats forced 17 turnovers, converting them into 13 points.
Nora Francois posted nine rebounds and eight points, while Arizona’s bench contributed 13 points. The Wildcats built their largest lead of 21 points midway through the third quarter.
Arizona returns to action on Sunday against Grambling State in McKale Center at 2 p.m. for Native American Heritage Night. The game will stream live on ESPN+.
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