By Pricilia Mugwa

Arizona rallies from 17-point deficit, but Baylor’s rebounding secures 81-76 victory

TUCSON — Arizona women’s basketball showcased resilience with a second-half surge, but an 81-76 overtime loss to Baylor on Wednesday night at McKale Center brought their efforts to a heartbreaking end.

Trailing by 17 points late in the second quarter, the Wildcats fought back fiercely in the second half. A last-second layup by Isis Beh electrified the crowd and forced overtime, but Baylor’s control of the boards and timely scoring clinched the victory in the extra period.

Beh led Arizona with a season-high 18 points, six rebounds, and four assists. Breya Cunningham recorded her second double-double of the season with 10 points and 12 rebounds, while Lauryn Swann and Jada Williams each contributed 16 points. Paulina Paris came off the bench to add 14 points, keeping the Wildcats in the fight.

Although Arizona outshot Baylor from the field (46.6%) and beyond the arc (45.5%), their struggles on the boards proved costly. Baylor dominated the glass with a 46-30 rebounding edge, leading to 15 second-chance points that made the difference.

Arizona faced an uphill battle from the start, falling behind 39-26 by halftime. The Wildcats came alive in the second half, with Cunningham and Beh sparking a 4-0 run in the third quarter that ignited their comeback. Arizona carried that energy into the fourth, outscoring Baylor 22-15 in the quarter.

Late-game heroics included clutch free throws by Swann and a critical layup from Paris to keep the Wildcats within reach. With just seconds remaining, Beh converted a buzzer-beating layup off an inbound pass from Mailien Rolf, sending the game into overtime tied at 71.

In the extra period, Baylor’s rebounding advantage and efficiency at the free-throw line sealed their win, as they outscored Arizona 10-5.

NOTABLES

• Arizona now holds an 11-6 overall record and is 2-2 in Big 12 play. They are 3-1 all-time against Baylor.
• Isis Beh reached 431 career points and 319 rebounds, logging her second double-figure scoring game of the season.
• Paulina Paris is three assists away from 100 career assists and recorded her seventh double-figure scoring game of the season.
• Breya Cunningham tallied her 14th double-figure game this season, with career totals of 467 points, 274 rebounds, and 93 blocks.
• Jada Williams and Lauryn Swann notched their 11th and sixth double-figure games of the season, respectively.
• Arizona will regroup as they prepare for their next Big 12 matchup, eager to build on the determination displayed in their valiant effort against Baylor.

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