Freshmen take the court in UA's win over San Diego State

Nicholas Valenzuela Arizona Daily Wildcat Freshman forward Elizabeth Pickney (45) goes up for a basket against the San Diego State Aztecs last night at McKale Center. Pickney had 25 points and 12 rebounds in the 76-69 win over the Aztecs.

When the final whistle had been blown, Arizona came away with a 76-69 victory over the Aztecs at McKale Center. Arizona had 24 team fouls while San Diego State had 18 fouls as the referees called a tight game.

Making things more difficult was the fact Arizona had nine players dressed, and only two of them had more than three Division I games under their belt - junior guards Felecity Willis and Lisa Griffith.

"We played a lot of young kids tonight," UA head coach Joan Bonvicini said. "Our post players got into foul trouble early, making it difficult for us."

Freshman forward Elizabeth Pickney led the Wildcats with a double-double, 25 points and 12 rebounds, five of them offensive. Willis had 18 points, while junior forward Angela Lackey had 12 points.

"I promise this one will make us better," Bonvicini said. "After this, our practices are going to be so difficult, the games will seem easy."

Despite missing Monika Crank to injury and Tysell Bozeman to redshirting, Arizona played without senior forward Shontey Hambrick and sophomore guard Reshea Bristol. Hambrick is out for a month with an upper respiratory infection, while Bristol was suspended for one game because of academic problems.

Freshmen Julie Brase, Jenifer Callahan and Michelle Mitchell were given more playing time because of all the missing players and foul troubles, and responded well.

"I'm proud of the freshmen, especially Liz because I challenged her before the game," Bonvicini said. "We played a lot of young kids tonight."

Griffith and Pickney were happy with the win, which puts Arizona at 2-2 on the season, but noted that there were still many things that need to be improved.

"San Diego State was a really scrappy team, and brought intensity with their defense," Griffith said. "The coaches are going to look at film and see our mistakes, most of them mental, and focus on them."

Pickney agreed with Griffith's assessment.

"As a team, we struggled," Pickney said. "I'm happier than I usually am because I did well on rebounds, but there are areas where I can still improve."

The Wildcats will have plenty of time to practice, since their next game isn't until Dec. 4, when they are set to face Sam Houston State in the Insight Women's Classic - all right at home in McKale Center.

Bryan Rosenbaum can be reached via e-mail at Bryan.Rosenbaum@wildcat.arizona.edu.