Women's cagers ride perfect record into New Mexico

KEVIN KLAUS/Arizona Daily Wildcat

UA senior forward Elizabeth Pickney attempts a shot against two Notre Dame defenders Saturday in McKale. Pickney leads the Wildcats to New Mexico tonight to take on the Lobos in the Pit.

The undefeated Arizona women's basketball team will play its first road game of the season against New Mexico tonight, looking to extend its three-game winning streak.

The Wildcats will try to snap their eight-game road losing streak dating back to last year against the Lobos, who finished last season as the National Invitational Tournament's runner-up.

New Mexico (3-1) is off to a strong start after cruising past Texas-El Paso Friday night, 98-45.

The Lobos' only loss of the season was at home to No. 10 Colorado, 78-63 on Nov. 9

Prior to last year's game - when the Lobos won 75-62 at home to end the Wildcats' season - Arizona had won its last three games against New Mexico.

However, the Wildcats head into the Pit with confidence after upsetting two of last season's champions.

The Wildcats knocked off the NCAA defending champion, No. 15 Notre Dame Saturday and last year's WNIT champion, Ohio State on Wednesday.

Senior forward Elizabeth Pickney became the hero for Arizona by scoring the game-winning layup at the buzzer against the Irish.

Pickney finished the night with 27 points while grabbing eight rebounds and was 11-11 from the free throw line.

The UA senior was recognized for her performance and became UA's first player this season to be named the Pacific-10 Conference Player of the Week.

Junior guard Julie Brase contributed nine points and five assists to the Wildcats' victory over Notre Dame.

Freshman guard Dee-Dee Wheeler came off the bench to add 18 points and shot a perfect 7-7 from the free throw line.

Arizona set a new school record by shooting 20-20 from the free throw line.

The Wildcats had an easier time with the Buckeyes. UA defeated Ohio State, 90-76 with an explosive performance by Candice Allen.

The sophomore tied her career high, scoring 18 points.

Allen showed off her defensive skills with a career-high five steals.

Pickney contributed 24 points and seven rebounds in UA's win.

The Wildcats return home to the McKale Center to participate in the Arizona Basketball Classic on Friday.