LAS VEGAS -- March 6th, 2024
Helena Pueyo and Esmery Martinez each scored 14 points and seventh-seeded Arizona defeated No. 10 Washington 58-50 on Wednesday night in the first round of the Pac-12 Tournament at the MGM Grand Garden Arena.
Pueyo also had five assists, five steals and four blocks for the Wildcats (17-14). Arizona advances to the quarterfinals and will play second-seeded USC on Thursday.
Arizona took a 43-36 lead into the fourth quarter and led by 11 with 5 1/2 minutes left. Lauren Schwartz scored five points to lead a 9-0 Washington run that made it 50-48 with 3 1/2 minutes remaining.
Jada Williams hit a jumper to put Arizona back up by four and later Pueyo made it a four-point lead again when she hit two free throws with 22 seconds left. Arizona forced a turnover and Martinez made one of two free throws for a 55-50 lead. Pueyo blocked a 3-pointer by Hannah Hines on the next possession, then Courtney Blakely made two free throws and Martinez made one of two again to wrap it up for the Wildcats.
Skylar Jones had 11 points, five rebounds and four steals, and Breya Cunningham added 10 points and seven rebounds for Arizona.
Dalayah Daniels had 13 points and 10 rebounds for Washington (16-14). Elle Ladine had 10 points and seven rebounds but committed seven of Washington's 20 turnovers.
Each team's largest lead was five points in the first half. Arizona went ahead 19-14 early in the second quarter, but Washington battled back to lead 27-25 with a little less than 2 minutes remaining. Cunningham and Martinez finished the half with layups for Arizona and the Wildcats led 29-27 at the break.
The Wildcats will advance to a quarterfinals match-up with USC on Thursday evening at 7 p.m. (MST).