By
Kamy Shaygan
Arizona Daily Wildcat
Freshman James leads UA to 13-point victory
After a slow first half, the Arizona women's basketball team outscored Rice by 12 points in the second half to defeat the Owls last night at McKale Center, 84-71.
The Wildcats (3-1 overall) were up by only a point at halftime, but strong defense in the second half was the key to victory against the Owls (4-2 overall).
"In the first half, we were very slow," UA sophomore guard Krista Warren said. "In the second half, it was a whole new ball game. We did 100 percent better."
UA head coach Joan Bonvicini switched to a full-court press defense late in the first half to throw the Owls offense off track.
"It worked out because in order to press, you have to be really good in the half-court," Bonvicini said. "We just need to put more pressure on teams. I think Rice is an up-and-coming team that plays very hard and they are going to give some teams problems."
Warren said she prefers the press defense over the traditional half-court set.
"I like press defense because it brings the game to our pace," Warren said. "Our momentum slowed them down."
The Arizona charge was led by sophomore forward Veranda James, who finished with game-highs in both points, 24, and rebounds, 16.
Although James has only played in four collegiate regular season, the Pomona, Calif., native has caught the attention of her coaches and teammates.
"Every time I watch her, she shows me a different part of her game," Bonvicini said. "I think the best thing about Veranda is that she is such a great kid."
Warren agreed.
"She's a stud," Warren said. "She finishes - she helps us out so much. I am so happy for that girl."
James said she was pleased with her individual and team performance.
"I like to mix it up," James said. "The second half was our best half so far this season."
Wildcat junior center Elizabeth Pickney posed a problem for the Owls from the free throw line, finishing a perfect 8-for-8 from the charity stripe. Pickney finished the game with 18 points, seven rebounds, and two blocks.
Wildcat guards Reshea Bristol and Tysell Bozeman posted identical statistics, each finishing with 10 points, five rebounds, and four assists.
Bristol and Bozeman also contributed to a stellar defensive second half as they finished the game with a combined seven steals.
"I thought in the first half it weighed (us down) at times," Bonvicini said. "We cut down on our turnovers and we were playing smarter."
As for the rest of the season, Bonvicini has high expectations for the young Wildcats.
"Were going to be a good team," she said.
