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Wildcats take on Kiwis in exhibition

The UA women's basketball team hosts another team from an opposite hemisphere tomorrow at McKale Center as they take on the New Zealand National Team in an exhibition game.

Tip-off is at 7 p.m.

Arizona head coach Joan Bonvicini says the game is another chance to test out what she has on her squad.

"These exhibition games are preseason experimentations to see where our team is at and where our players are at," she said. "We can see how they play in different situations and how I am able to work different combinations. I think this all is a learning period for me and for our team."

The Wildcats have not seen game film of the New Zealand national team, but are expecting the Kiwi's backcourt to challenge them.

"Knowing what I do know about the teams from New Zealand, they should be excellent guards," Bonvicini said. "They may not as big at the post, but they'll be really quick and be able to handle the ball well."

In their game last week against SBC Prerov Czech Republic, the Wildcats didn't show their full court press very much, which is something that Bonvicini may experiment more when facing the Kiwis and their run-and-gun style of offense.

"We ran a half-court trap for a little bit against the Czechs, we should show our press a little bit more against the New Zealand team," she said. "But, I want to do what is best for our team in each situation."

On the other side of the court for Arizona, Bonvicini hopes to use various offensive sets.

"Last game, our post play was really strong and we got a lot of production. It all depends on how teams are defending us and how we are doing to determine what we are going to do on offense," she said. "We'll go inside at times and then perhaps shoot the three-pointer."

"We have a lot of different weapons, so I am not focusing on doing one particular thing, Bonvicini added. "We have a lot of different strengths, so as the game goes, we'll see what we'll do."

The 12-member New Zealand National Team is making its third visit to the United States. Their 10-game tour will encompass 15 days, and they are coming off a 71-52 win at Fresno State last Sunday. The squad will play at UNLV tonight before taking on the Wildcats tomorrow.

With 18.3 points and 5.3 rebounds per game, forward Sally Farmer leads New Zealand in both categories. Another forward, Rebecca Cotton follows in scoring at 12.5 ppg, and forward Donna Loffhagon is the second-leading rebounder with 4.8 rpg.

"The thing about playing an international exhibition game is that it gives you an idea of your team and about where you are at," Bonvicini said. "But it's really not a true measure because the style that the international teams play is not the same as what we face the with the U.S. teams."