The Arizona women’s basketball team rallied from down eight in the fourth quarter against ASU to force overtime, but couldn’t pull out the comeback win and lost the regular-season finale 66-64 in Tempe on Sunday.
Cate Reese’s potential game-tying jumper fell short as time expired, and the No. 9-ranked Wildcats have now dropped their last two games.
Here’s the numbers that stood out from UA’s defeat to ASU:
30
Arizona senior Aari McDonald tied her season high with 30 points, conerting 10 of 19 attempts. Twelve of her 30 points came in the fourth quarter and OT as the Wildcats mounted their late-game comeback.
The All-American guard has now scored 20 or more points in each of her last four games.
33%
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Arizona’s team shooting percentage on shots not taken by McDonald against the Sun Devils. UA players other than McDonald combined to make only 13 of 39 shots.
The team’s percentage rises to 39% with McDonald’s stats included, but it marks the fifth time in the last six games Arizona has shot under 40% as a team.
11-3
Down 52-44 with 4:20 to go in the fourth quarter, the Wildcats went on an 11-3 run to force the game to OT.
UA used a combination of defensive stops, free throws and baskets at the rim to cut into ASU’s lead. McDonald scored the Wildcats’ final six points in the last 1:24 of regulation via a layup and four free throws.
10
ASU knocked down 10 of its 18 3-point attempts, including two in overtime. Meanwhile, the Wildcats weren’t quite as effective from deep, although it still hit a respectable 6 of 16.
Sun Devil guard Taya Hanson drained five of the team’s 3-pointers, including one in overtime with 56 seconds left to put her team up 65-62.
2
Despite the loss Arizona (15-4, 13-4) will be the second seed in the Pac-12 Tournament this week. UA’s first game will be on Thursday, with the opponent still to be determined.
Photos: ASU defeats UA in overtime, women's basketball in Tempe
Arizona (9) vs Arizona State
Arizona State Sun Devils guard Jaddan Simmons (2) reaches for the ball over Arizona Wildcats guard Shaina Pellington (1) in the first half during a game at the Desert Financial Arena in Tempe, Ariz., on February 28, 2021.
Arizona (9) vs Arizona State
Arizona Wildcats forward Sam Thomas (14) breaks through defenders Arizona State Sun Devils forward Katelyn Levings (20) and Arizona State Sun Devils center Imogen Greenslade (43) in the first half during a game at the Desert Financial Arena in Tempe, Ariz., on February 28, 2021.
Arizona (9) vs Arizona State
Arizona Wildcats guard Aari McDonald (2) looks to make the pass as she's defedned by Arizona State Sun Devils guard Jaddan Simmons (2) in the first half during a game at the Desert Financial Arena in Tempe, Ariz., on February 28, 2021.
Arizona (9) vs Arizona State
Arizona Wildcats guard Aari McDonald (2) is defended by Arizona State Sun Devils forward Eboni Walker (22) and Arizona State Sun Devils guard Jaddan Simmons (2) in the second half during a game at the Desert Financial Arena in Tempe, Ariz., on February 28, 2021. Arizona State won in overtime 66-64.
Arizona (9) vs Arizona State
Arizona Wildcats forward Lauren Ware (32) gets her fingers on the ball but Arizona State Sun Devils guard Taya Hanson 's (0) shot lands in the basket in the second half during a game at the Desert Financial Arena in Tempe, Ariz., on February 28, 2021. Arizona State won in overtime 66-64.
Arizona (9) vs Arizona State
Arizona Wildcats guard Bendu Yeaney (23) is defended by Arizona State Sun Devils forward Eboni Walker (22) in the second half during a game at the Desert Financial Arena in Tempe, Ariz., on February 28, 2021. Arizona State won in overtime 66-64.
Arizona (9) vs Arizona State
Arizona Wildcats forward Cate Reese (25) and Arizona State Sun Devils forward Bre'yanna Sanders (24) both fall to the ground as the ball goes loose in the first half during a game at the Desert Financial Arena in Tempe, Ariz., on February 28, 2021.
Arizona (9) vs Arizona State
Arizona Wildcats head coach Adia Barnes brings her team over in a timeout before the Wildcats even the score and head into overtime in the second half during a game at the Desert Financial Arena in Tempe, Ariz., on February 28, 2021. Arizona State won in overtime 66-64.
Arizona (9) vs Arizona State
Arizona Wildcats guard Bendu Yeaney (23) falls over as she releases the ball in overtime during a game at the Desert Financial Arena in Tempe, Ariz., on February 28, 2021. Arizona State won 66-64.
Arizona (9) vs Arizona State
Arizona Wildcats forward Cate Reese (25) is met with several Arizona State defenders in the second half during a game at the Desert Financial Arena in Tempe, Ariz., on February 28, 2021. Arizona State won in overtime 66-64.
