Slow start does not faze Wildcats

Adam F. Jarrold Arizona Daily Wildcat UA junior forward Cha-Ron Walker shoots over Washington State foreward Jennifer Ludwicki during the second half of Saturday's game at McKale Center. The Wildcats pulled off a easy win, beating the Cougars 76-46.

Rhodes and his Cougars fell apart early and had to endure a 76-46 beating from the Arizona women's basketball team in front of 1,435 fans at McKale Center in a game that could have been worse.

"I'm very disappointed. We didn't handle their pressure and we turned over the ball so many times," Rhodes said.

With the win, Arizona claimed its first sweep in a two-game series with Pac-10 opponents and set a school-record of 16 victories at the halfway point of conference games.

"I never thought that we would win by 30," UA head coach Joan Bonvicini said. "Everyone who went in today contributed. I was impressed, that was a great team win."

Arizona had nine players reach double figures in minutes and the Cougars shot less than 20 percent in the second half.

Jacque Barrington and Mikko Giordano came off the bench and combined for 18 points and seven rebounds.

"I thought that Jacque played a great game. A lot of what she does goes unnoticed," Bonvicini said. "Mikko too, played well, she is so versatile. She can play inside and go out and hit a three."

Arizona's defense was the key to the victory. Washington State's Jade Hyett, who is averaging over eight assists per game, had only five compared to her seven turnovers. WSU's post players, Amy Saneholtz and Yvonne Kunze, came in shooting better than 53 p ercent, but were held to 6 of 14 from the floor. Kunze scored two points, 11 under her average.

"I thought the key to Washington St. was Jade Hyett, so we pressed just to get after her," Bonvicini said. "Our defensive intensity has increased."

Bonvicini substituted frequently, sending several fresh combinations at Hyett and her teammates.

"It's good to know that different people can work together," Barrington said. "That's one thing about this team, you can really count on each other no matter what," Giordano added.

When the Cougars weren't confused by Arizona's 2-3 zone, they were frustrated by the full-court press. Their 37 turnovers are the most they have had all year.

"We came out so cold, so flat, nothing went in," Rhodes said. "When you are already down 14 at halftime, it just digs yourself into a deeper hole. I mean, Joanna (Smith) had more turnovers than points, that's huge. We just had an out-of-character game."

Arizona was guilty for some of the blame.

"Our post defense is much better. We were fronting their players so the guards couldn't see them, which makes it tough to get the ball to them," Barrington said.

Midway through the second half, the Cougars had only scored six points as a team while Giordano had scored six herself.

"When we are able to go inside and outside. We are a pretty tough team to beat," Bonvicini said.

UA's All-Pac 10 player, Adia Barnes, who has struggled a little of late, regained her shooting touch. In only 20 minutes, Barnes led the Wildcats with 14 points on 7 of 9 shooting.

"Adia has been pressing, but she shot extremely well today," Bonvicini said. "Our whole team is gaining confidence as well. I'm pleased, we needed this sweep."