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Arizona Wildcats Secure Crucial Victory Over Colorado

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Tuesday, March 10th 2026 at 16:17 GMT by Arizona Daily Star
      Locales: Arizona, UNITED STATES

By Javier Moreno | Arizona Daily Star

TUCSON -- The Arizona Wildcats secured a crucial 74-66 victory over the Colorado Buffaloes Monday night at McKale Center, a win that not only brightens their record but significantly strengthens their position in the competitive Pac-12 Conference landscape. While the rally wasn't flawless, the Wildcats demonstrated resilience and depth, overcoming a sluggish start to dominate the second half and maintain their pursuit of a coveted Pac-12 Tournament berth.

The win brings Arizona's overall record to 17-11, with a 9-8 mark in Pac-12 play. This victory is particularly important as the regular season winds down and teams jostle for positioning in the upcoming tournament. Colorado, on the other hand, falls to 10-18 with a 3-14 conference record, facing an increasingly uphill battle to improve their standing.

Junior guard Shaina Esmay proved to be a driving force for the Wildcats, delivering a stellar performance with 19 points and 10 rebounds - a dominant double-double that exemplified her all-around contribution. Sophomore forward Lauren Wells was equally impactful, adding 14 points and grabbing eight rebounds, showcasing a consistent presence in the paint. However, the success wasn't solely reliant on these two stars; Arizona head coach Adia Barnes strategically utilized her bench, with Cate Fagan and other reserves providing a vital spark when it was needed most.

"We knew we had to get more out of our bench," Barnes stated after the game. "Cate and the others really stepped up and gave us a spark." This emphasis on bench production proved to be a key factor, injecting fresh energy and a different look that Colorado struggled to contain.

The first quarter presented challenges for Arizona, with the team shooting a meager 31% from the field and falling behind early, 16-11. Colorado's defense initially stifled the Wildcats' offensive rhythm, forcing them into contested shots and turnovers. However, Arizona responded in the second quarter, finding their range from beyond the arc, sinking four three-pointers and gradually chipping away at the deficit. This shift in momentum highlighted the team's ability to adjust and overcome adversity.

Esmay's consistent scoring and rebounding carried over into the third quarter, providing a much-needed boost and helping the Wildcats seize the lead. Her ability to penetrate the defense and create opportunities for herself and her teammates proved to be a constant thorn in the side of the Buffaloes. Wells, meanwhile, contributed through hustle plays and an impressive ability to secure second-chance points, extending Arizona's advantage.

"We just had to keep attacking," Wells explained. "We knew if we played our game, we'd be fine." This confidence and determination were evident throughout the second half, as the Wildcats relentlessly pressured the Colorado defense.

Colorado struggled to find offensive consistency throughout the game, with no player reaching double figures in scoring. Taylor Rimmerman led the Buffaloes with 13 points, and Jade Edwards added 12, but their efforts were insufficient to overcome Arizona's balanced attack. The Buffaloes also committed a costly 20 turnovers, which Arizona expertly capitalized on, converting those mistakes into 24 crucial points.

Looking ahead, Arizona faces a challenging matchup against Utah on Wednesday, closing out the regular season with a game that will further test their tournament aspirations. A win against the Utes would solidify their position and boost their confidence heading into the Pac-12 Tournament. The Wildcats' success this season has been built on a combination of star power, bench depth, and a relentless defensive approach. If they can maintain this level of play, they are poised to make a deep run in the conference tournament and potentially earn a berth in the NCAA Tournament. The resilience shown against Colorado demonstrates that this Arizona team has the grit and determination to compete with the best in the Pac-12.