Arizona head coach Becky Burke started all 11 available players in the Wildcats’ home opener on Sunday, emphasizing the need for disciplined play against a motivated Iona squad. Seven Wildcats scored at least seven points, and the team posted a 74-61 win.
Coach Burke stresses preparation
Burke told her squad that they could not afford to “let up” after a strong showing against Stanford earlier in the season. She warned that Iona would be a “quintessential trap game” and that the upcoming UCLA matchup loomed large. The coach’s frustration with the team’s execution was evident when she called a timeout with Arizona leading 28-18 after Iona’s Claudia Fiel scored on a fast break.
Balanced scoring leads the way
Reserve forward Breanna Williams topped the box score with 12 points and seven rebounds in just over 18.5 minutes. Freshman Jasleen Green and senior Sumayah Sugapong each added 11 points, giving Arizona three double‑digit scorers. Green was especially efficient from the free‑throw line, converting six of seven attempts, while the team as a whole shot 19‑for‑31 from the stripe.
Burke praised the effort, noting that the Wildcats shot poorly at times but that she trusts the players to improve. “We shot a ton of them this week,” she said, adding that she does not want to over‑emphasize the missed shots, preferring to focus on the team’s overall growth.
Turnover battle and adjustments
Arizona struggled with ball security, turning the ball over 30 times, compared with Iona’s 15. The Wildcats’ turnovers often resulted from high or low passes that missed their intended recipients. Freshman Simba Finley showed progress, tying for the team lead with three assists and pulling down five rebounds while taking only two shots. Burke highlighted Finley’s improved decision‑making and willingness to execute the scouting report.
Looking ahead to UCLA
The Wildcats now turn their attention to their first ranked opponent, No. 11 UCLA, on Thursday at Pauley Pavilion. Williams, who transferred from Maryland last season, expressed excitement about the challenge, emphasizing the need to stick to the team’s principles regardless of the opponent’s roster.
With a 2‑0 start, Burke said the team feels good but acknowledges the need for a better practice week to prepare for the Bruins. “We have to have a better week of practice and a better prep for UCLA,” she said.
Original reporting: Arizona Desert Swarm (Tucson Sports) — read the source article.
