Arizona’s Overtime Hopes Dashed by Baylor’s Gritty Defense

TUCSON, Ariz. – The Arizona women’s basketball team put forth a spirited comeback but ultimately fell short in an 81-76 overtime defeat against Baylor on Wednesday evening at McKale Center.

After being down by 17 points late in the second quarter, the Wildcats rallied in the second half, as Isis Beh delivered a last-second layup to tie the match and send it into overtime. Nevertheless, Baylor’s dominance in rebounding and timely basket-making led them to victory in the additional period.

Leading the Wildcats, Beh recorded a season-high of 18 points, six rebounds, and four assists, while Breya Cunningham achieved her second double-double of the season with 10 points and 12 rebounds. Lauryn Swann added 16 points in her second consecutive career start, and Jada Williams also contributed 16 points. Off the bench, Paulina Paris ignited the team with 14 points.

Arizona outperformed Baylor in shooting, hitting 46.6% overall and 45.5% from three-point range. Despite their effectiveness, the Wildcats had difficulty keeping up with Baylor’s rebounding prowess, as the Bears dominated the boards with a 46-30 advantage and scored 15 second-chance points.

HOW IT UNFOLDED

The Wildcats faced challenges early on, trailing 39-26 at the half. A 4-0 surge initiated by baskets from Cunningham and Beh began to close the gap in the third quarter. Arizona maintained that energy into the fourth quarter, outscoring Baylor 22-15. Crucial free throws by Swann and a key layup by Paris in the dying seconds of the third quarter prepared the stage for an intense finish.

Beh’s last-second layup on an in-bounds pass from Mailien Rolf concluded regulation, leveling the score at 71 and pushing the game into overtime. In the extra session, Baylor’s rebounding and effective free-throw shooting were decisive, leading to a 10-5 scoring advantage for the Bears.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• The Wildcats stand at 11-6 overall and 2-2 in Big 12 competition, maintaining a 3-1 historical record against Baylor.

• Isis Beh has now reached 431 career points and 319 rebounds, marking her second game this season with double-digit scoring.

• Paulina Paris has achieved 451 career points and is just three assists away from reaching 100 career assists, along with her seventh double-digit scoring game this season.

• Breya Cunningham logged her 14th double-digit game of the season and has a total of 467 career points, 274 rebounds, and 93 blocks.

• Jada Williams and Lauryn Swann recorded their 11th and sixth double-digit performances of the season, respectively.

UPCOMING

The Wildcats will be back in action on Saturday, January 11, facing off against Iowa State during their Dark Mode event at 2 p.m. MST.