Huskies, UA have a lot in common

They share a 4-3 record in the Pacific 10 Conference, and they both score a lot of points and use their bench players frequently.

The Wildcats (14-4, 4-3) host the Huskies (9-7, 4-3) tonight at 7 p.m. at McKale Center.

"They are very similar to us, they like to run and get out and go," UA head coach Joan Bonvicini said. "They are very quick and like to slash to the basket."

Arizona averages 71 points per game- the Huskies, 72. The Wildcats' leading scorer, Adia Barnes puts up 20 points per game, UW's Jamie Redd averages 22.

"Their backs are against the wall as well. They are a solid team, it's not going to be easy," Bonvicini said.

This week in practice Arizona worked on its press and ran Washington's zone, which is the same as Arizona's.

The Wildcats have eight players that average double figures in minutes, the Huskies have eight, too. Both teams are limiting their opponents to 43 percent shooting from the field.

"Like any Pac-10 team, Washington can upset anybody. They can cause a lot of problems for your offense," junior DeAngela Minter said.

Arizona has committed 150 turnovers in the conference, while the Huskies have given up 149.

"They have legitimate ball-handlers, but we are a very athletic team," assistant coach Traci Waites said.

So what gives?

Well, Arizona has two more steals and Washington is shooting 29 percent from three-point range compared to Arizona's 22.

"We can press well, especially at the start of halves," freshman Felecity Willis said, offering her opinion. "Defense is a main part of our game. We play well when we control the tempo."

Bonvicini thinks it will have more to do with the offense.

"We haven't put together a good scoring game in a while," she said. "We have had some good offensive nights, but usually it's just a few players and not the whole team."

Junior forward Barnes is one of the hot ones. She recorded her 10th double-double of the season last week against Oregon State and had 24 points in the Oregon game.

Monika Crank is now averaging 10 points per game after tying her career-high 14 points for the fifth time this season against the Ducks.

In last year's 78-63 Arizona win at the McKale Center, just the second win against Washington ever, Minter had 20 points.

For the Huskies, Amber Hall is their best post player. The sophomore forward averages 12.4 points to go along with her 10.5 rebounds per game.

Hall even played under Bonvicini when the two went to Japan last summer, Hall as a player on the All-Pac-10 team and Bonvicini as the coach.

"She's a great rebounder. She'll jump right out of the building if you don't get a body on her," Bonvicini said.

Arizona is undefeated (12-0) when they have shot better than their opponents. Ditto for Washington.

"I feel like we are well prepared for this team," Bonvicini said.