The University of Arizona Wildcats snapped their six-game losing streak with a 72-62 win over Kansas State University Wildcats on Wednesday night in McKale Center, putting together one of their most disciplined and complete performances of the season.
Arizona was led by Blessing Adebanjo, who scored a double-double in what was her career best game; and offensive leader Noelani Cornfield, who came one point shy of beating her career high 22 points against Eastern Kentucky on Dec, 10.
Arizona came out on fire against K-State in the first quarter, scoring from all over the court, and maintaining control of the ball both offensively and defensively. The team sustained that momentum for a full 40 minutes, something head coach Becky Burke has been talking about for weeks.
“I just think everybody was so poised tonight,” Burke said. “I thought every huddle was controlled, every timeout was mature, I thought they were so coachable. So I think that’s the brightest spot is that we had a group that completely bought into the game plan.”
The win brings the team’s record to 11-11 and 2-9 in Big 12 Conference play.
Arizona set the tone early, forcing KSU into foul trouble and turnovers in the first quarter as UA built a 27-11 lead. Arizona’s ball pressure stunted KSU’s offense from the start, leading to steals, transition opportunities and Cornfield leading the offense with 12 points in the first quarter, shooting 60% from 3 and 61% from the free throw line.
Kansas responded in the second quarter, cutting Arizona’s lead to 8 with improved physicality and multiple trips to the free-throw line, cutting the lead to 33-29 at the half.
That discipline and control carried over into the second half. Arizona finished with 10 steals and consistently made KSU work late into possessions.
Freshman forward Adebanjo held down Arizona’s defense, snagging six blocks and causing Kansas to stumble in the paint.
“I told myself I was going to play defense,” said Adebanjo. “I didn’t care about the offense because Coach told me, your offense is going to come to you.”
That offense did come. Adebanjo finished with her season high playing time of 33 minutes and scored a season high 17 points to complement her strong defense, while Cornfield led all scorers with 21 points and four steals. Sumayah Sugapong added a double-double with 12 points and a career high 13 rebounds, continuing her familiar high energy playing.
Cornfield emphasized Adebanjo’s impact after the game.
“We wouldn’t have won without her,” she said. “Her defensive presence, her offensive presence, [we] just continue to pour confidence into her.”
Kansas State Head Coach Jeff Mittie credited Arizona’s defense for disrupting his team’s rhythm.
“They’re an aggressive defense,” he said. “I mean, they’ve got good pesky guards that get after you.. Fifteen turnovers in the first half is just brutal basketball.”
Arizona maintained their offensive and defensive momentum in the final stretch, responding to every KState push with stops and control and outshooting Kansas 39-33 in the second half.
For Cornfield, the win reflected growth from recent setbacks.
“Every loss is a lesson,” she said. “If you keep doing the same things, and expecting different results, you know, you’re crazy. We switched it up and we got it done.”
Arizona’s win didn’t come from a big breakout moment; it came from combined effort, discipline and maintaining that “bright spot” for the full 40 minutes; exactly what Burke has been looking for all season.
Arizona is on the road against West Virginia on Saturday and Cincinnati next Tuesday before coming home for a rematch against in-state rivals ASU at 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 14.
Arizona Sonoran News is a news service of the University of Arizona School of Journalism.
