By
Kamy Shaygan
Arizona Daily Wildcat
In a roller-coaster battle, the Arizona women's basketball team squeezed out a victory against Brigham Young University in their first regular season game Saturday afternoon at McKale Center.
Despite being outscored 48-40 in the second half, the Wildcats managed to knock off the Cougars, 76-71.
BYU nearly upset the Wildcats by shooting 10-for-20 from three-point range.
"I was pleased in the sense that we got a win," UA senior guard Reshea Bristol said. "We needed to be aggressive the whole game in which we weren't and BYU counteracted on that. They have great three-point shooters which hurt us."
Although Arizona went into halftime with a 13 point lead, the Cougars charged back, posting a 16-2 run to open up the second half.
"I think the key is that we still don't know how to put teams away, and I think that comes from being young," UA head coach Joan Bonvicini said. "I said they were going to make a run, but I didn't think it was going to be that quick."
The Cougars charge was led by sophomore guard Erin Thorn, who finished the game with 36 points, shooting an impressive 8-15 from behind the three point arc. Thorn's eight three pointers against the Wildcats tied a McKale Center record.
"She is a great shooter and a tremendous player," Wildcat junior guard Tysell Bozeman said.
Bonvicini agreed.
"Thorn really held them together," Bonvicini said. "I think the players learned you have to be on your toes all the time and you can't relax."
Arizona was led by Bozeman, who finished with team highs in both points, scoring 16, and assists with four.
Bozeman scored 14 of her 16 points in the first half of her first-ever UA start.
"The first half, I was excited because it was my first start and I have been here for two years," Bozeman said. "I was kind of anxious that I was starting so it worked out. I think we were just nervous."
A pair of freshmen helped lead the Wildcats to the win.
Wildcat freshman forward Veranda James posted a double-double in her first regular season game. James finished with 11 points, 11 rebounds, three assists, and a block.
"I thought Veranda had a good first game for a double double," Bonvicini said.
Freshman guard Aimee Grzyb had a strong performance in her first regular season game. Grzyb finished with 12 points, two assists, and two steals.
"I thought Aimee Grzyb off the bench was excellent," Bonvicini said.
UA junior center Elizabeth Pickney finished with 15 points along with seven rebounds.
The Wildcats are in South Bend, Ind. today to face No. 5 Notre Dame.
"Notre Dame I think is maybe premier team with the great inside outside game," Bonvicini said. "I think it's going to be an outstanding test."
