TUCSON, Ariz. (Interstat) — The Utah Utes escaped McKale Center with a 63-62 women’s basketball victory over the Arizona Wildcats in a Big 12 conference opener on Monday. Utah built a 39-23 halftime lead behind a dominant second quarter, outscoring Arizona 24-4. The Wildcats surged after halftime, using a 20-point third quarter to close the gap. Arizona had a chance to win in the final seconds but fell just short. Lani White led all scorers with 26 points for Utah. Reese Ross added a double-double with 10 points and 14 rebounds. For Arizona, Lani Cornfield posted a double-double with 11 points and 10 assists, while Mickayla Perdue scored a team-high 16 points. Attendance was 5,580. Utah improved to 10-3. Arizona dropped to 9-3.

Preview: Utah Visits Arizona in Key Big 12 Women’s Basketball Clash TUCSON, Ariz. (Interstat) — A marquee early-season Big 12 women’s basketball matchup is set for Monday afternoon as the Utah Utes visit the Arizona Wildcats at McKale Center. Both teams enter with identical 9-3 records, though Arizona’s schedule shows a slightly stronger 9-2 mark. The contest represents a significant conference test for two programs looking to establish themselves atop the new-look Big 12. Utah arrives on a five-game winning streak, most recently grinding out a 61-52 home victory over UC Riverside on Wednesday. The Utes have showcased a potent offense during their streak, averaging 78.6 points in those wins. They are led by guard Reese Ross, who is averaging 13.8 points over her last five games, including a 20-point performance in a rout of Northwestern. Arizona counters with its own dynamic guard play, spearheaded by Lani Cornfield. The Wildcats’ floor general is averaging 16.1 points and 7.4 assists per game, coming off a 15-point, 8-assist effort in a 105-59 demolition of Bellarmine on Thursday. Arizona’s offense has been explosive, scoring 87 or more points in three of its last four outings. The Wildcats’ two losses, however, were narrow defeats to New Mexico (72-69) and Southern (63-57) earlier this month. Utah’s setbacks include a 93-41 road loss to powerhouse Connecticut and a 61-49 defeat at Syracuse. This game will feature a compelling backcourt duel between Ross and Cornfield, with each capable of controlling the tempo. Utah will aim to leverage its recent momentum, while Arizona seeks to defend its home court and build consistency as conference play intensifies. Monday’s winner will gain a valuable resume victory and early positioning in the Big 12 standings. Following this game, Utah will host Arizona State on Dec. 31, while Arizona will travel to face Colorado the same day. Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. MST at McKale Center.