TUCSON, Ariz. — Chicago State (1-10) fell to Arizona (8-2), 89-70, at the McKale Center, pulling within two points in the fourth quarter however, the Wildcats push was too much down the stretch.
Arizona began the first quarter with. The Wildcats maintained their momentum with a three-pointer at 8:01. The Cougars responded with
Marisa Gant's jumper at 7:28, but Arizona's fast-paced play, highlighted by a layup from Welch at 7:04, helped them maintain the advantage.
Aiyanna Culver kept the Cougars in it with a three-pointer at 5:56, followed by a fast break layup at 5:14. Despite this effort, Arizona nailed another three-pointer at 2:45, and capped the quarter with a layup at 0:09, securing a 29-19 lead for Arizona at the end of the quarter.
Arizona maintained their lead in the second quarter, outscoring the Cougars 16-14.
Brianna Hill contributed a layup with 8:01 remaining, assisted by Culver, to maintain the Cougars momentum. Despite turnovers and fouls from both teams, Arizona closed the quarter with a fast-break layup extending their advantage to 45-33 at the end of the half.
In the third quarter, Chicago State narrowed the gap against Arizona with a strong offensive performance, outscoring the home team 24-18.
Keona McGee contributed early with a layup off an offensive rebound at 9:40.
Natalia Williams was pivotal, securing a steal at 9:13 and adding crucial points with a layup and a free throw at 6:46.
Aiyanna Culver sparked a late surge, hitting three consecutive three-pointers, the last of which came at 1:05, bringing the Cougars within four points. Despite a final missed attempt by Culver with 13 seconds left, Arizona maintained a slim lead to end the quarter.
Arizona secured a decisive victory in the fourth quarter, outscoring the Cougars 26-13. Arizona's scoring surge, contributing a layup and a three-pointer in quick succession as the Cougars pulled within two points in the fourth quarter. Despite efforts from
Natalia Williams, who scored several free throws late in the quarter, Arizona maintained their lead to finish strong.
Chicago State was led by
Aiyanna Culver coming off the bench to score 23 points including five 3-pointers, six assists and three steals.
Natalia Williams added 13 points, while
Kayla Mount and
Keona McGee added eight points each.
UP NEXT
In their next game, Chicago State will travel to face Utah Tech on Wednesday, December 17 at 1 p.m. The matchup will take place at Burns Arena in St. George, Utah.
