Arizona uses swarming defense to beat in North Dakota in season opener

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The Desert Swarm moniker is usually reserved for Arizona football, but it is an apt description of the way the women’s basketball team defended Tuesday, which just so happened to be 90s Night in McKale Center.

UA’s relentless full-court press forced 27 turnovers and held North Dakota to 28 percent shooting in a 74-42 victory in front of 3,450 fans, the most ever at an Arizona women’s basketball season opener.

While five players made their UA debuts, including Penn State grad transfer Amari Carter who started in place of the injured Tee Tee Starks, the night largely belonged to familiar faces.

33 of Arizona’s 35 first-half points were scored by returning players.

Cate Reese finished with a team-high 22 points, six rebounds and five steals. Aari McDonald chipped in with 13 points (on 16 shots) to go along with five assists and four rebounds. Sam Thomas went 3 for 3 from behind the arc, which accounted for nine of her 11 points.

Freshman Helena Pueyo, who finished with eight points, was the first newcomer to get on the board, throwing in a layup with three minutes left in the second quarter after fellow freshman Mara Mote stole an inbounds pass, one of Arizona’s 16 first-half takeaways.

UA shot the 3 well in its exhibition vs. Eastern New Mexico last week, an area the team needs to improve this season, and went 8 for 23 (35%) from the arc Tuesday, though non-Thomas Wildcats were 5 for 20.

Overall, Arizona shot 44 percent and outrebounded UND, 40-39.

The Wildcats return to action Friday against Santa Clara before a two-game road trip against Chicago State and Texas next week.

This story will be updated.

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