The Washington Huskies host the Arizona Wildcats on Friday, January 19th at 7PM Pacific.
The Washington Huskies (11-4 overall, 1-3 PAC) host the Arizona Wildcats (10-7 overall, 2-3 PAC) on Friday, January 19th at 7PM Pacific.
The video broadcast of the matchup between the Huskies and Wildcats will be streaming on Washington Livestream; as well as, streaming audio at LISTEN TO HUSKIES RADIO CALL.
In their last game before facing Washington, Arizona lost at Oregon, 68-70.
DAWGS vs CATS
SERIES HISTORY
With 70 meetings thus far, the Washington Huskies lead the series 43-27 over the Wildcats.
Currently, Arizona has a 7-game winning streak in the series — defeating the Huskies last season, 61-54, in Tucson, Arizona on Jan. 27, 2023.
Next season, Washington moves to the B1G Conference and Arizona to the Big 12 — if, how, and when this series will continue is yet to be determined.
Arizona Offense
The Arizona Wildcats offense averages 73.1points per game; while the Huskies defense is holding opponents to 51.6 points per game.
Arizona is an above average three-point shooting team at 32.6% accuracy from beyond the arc.
Arizona is averaging 15.5 three-point attempts per game (Bottom 17% nationally).
Currently, the Huskies are holding opponents to 23.3% shooting from three-point range (Top 1% nationwide).
The Arizona Wildcats make 50.3% of their two-point attempts.
Kailyn Gilbert, a 5’8″ sophomore guard, is the Wildcats primary offensive threat and Arizona’s leading scorer at 16.4 points per game; along with 2.6 assists and 1.6 steals.
Gilbert is shooting a scorching 43.1% from three-point range, including an incredible 51.4% on straightaway threes (see chart).
Gilbert is also effective at attacking the rim — she makes 55.6% (30 of 54) of her shots within 4.5 feet of the rim.
Esmery Martinez, a 6’2 forward, is the second-leading scorer at 10.4 points per game and primary inside scoring threat.
Martinez scores at 59% (48 for 78) efficiency within 4.5 feet of the rim; as well, 42.9% (12 for 28) from farther out in the lane.
Not much of a three-point threat, Martinez only makes 19.4% of her three-point attempts.
Sali Kourouma, a5’11” wing, is Arizona’s third-leading scorer at 9.5 points per game.
Kourouma is an excellent scorer from all areas of the court, and a bit of an x-factor offensive weapon for the Wildcats.
Kourouma is not a volume three-point shooter and only makes 28.6% from deep, however, on straightaway threes she shoots 42.9% (3 for 7) so she is a capable shooter.
Mostly Kourouma mostly attacks from midrange (50%); as well as in the lane — making 66.7% of her shots within 4.5 feet of the rim (but makes only 25% of her shots further away in the lane).
Helena Pueyo, a 6’0″ guard,is second leading three-point shooter at 40.0% accuracy, providing 7.5 points per game.
Pueyo is the true x-factor of the Wildcats — a player that makes winning plays and is capable of scoring in big moments.
Helena Pueyo is a classic “3 and D” player, she shoots 40% from three-point range and leads the Wildcates with 3.1 steals per game.
Pueyo also makes 55.3% of her two-point attempt overall, including an amazing 85.7% within 4.5 feet of the rim.
Washington Defense
The Washington Huskies will need to disrupt the Arizona offense by playing stifling perimeter defense on Kailyn Gilbert, Sali Kouroumaand Helena Pueyo by: (1) tightly contesting their three-point shots;
(2) cutting off their dribble-drive lane penetration; and
(3) playing good transition defense;
The Dawgs will also need to play tenacious inside defense “in the paint” against Arizona’s primary inside scorer, 6’2″ Esmery Martinez, by denying her position inside and denying the entry pass.
The majority of Arizona’s offense comes from inside-the-paint (50.5% – Top 8% nationally); so the Huskies must contest all shots in the and around the lane.
The Dawgs average 4.1 blocks per game — which ranks among the Top 18% of Division One schools nationally.
More generally, the Huskies defense must also dominate and control the inside by remaining active and physical on the boards.
Washington averages 28.3 defensive rebounds per game, which ranks in the Top 14 % among Division One schools nationally.
Meanwhile, the Wildcats average 11.0 offensive rebounds per game, ranking in the Bottom 43% nationally.
Washington defenders must limit the Wildcats’ second chance opportunities with strong defensive rebounding.
Washington Offense
The Huskies are currently averaging 33.6% accuracy from three-point range.
