The Arizona Wildcats women’s basketball team faced a significant setback with their recent 83-64 loss to the No. 20 Oklahoma State Cowgirls on February 12, 2025, at Gallagher-Iba Arena in Stillwater, Oklahoma. This defeat not only impacted their overall season record but also had notable implications for their NCAA Evaluation Tool (NET) rating, a critical metric used in NCAA Tournament selections.
Game Overview
Entering the matchup, the Wildcats held a 15-10 overall record and were 6-6 in Big 12 Conference play. They were coming off a morale-boosting 66-59 victory against their in-state rivals, Arizona State University, on February 8, 2025, which had bolstered their confidence. In contrast, Oklahoma State boasted a 19-4 overall record and a 9-3 mark in conference play, reflecting a strong season performance.
The game commenced with both teams displaying competitive energy. By halftime, Arizona trailed by eight points, with the scoreboard reading 37-29 in favor of Oklahoma State. Senior forward Isis Beh was a standout for the Wildcats, delivering an impressive 17 points in the first half alone, shooting 8-for-9 from the field. Junior guard Paulina Paris also contributed significantly, adding seven points, four assists, and one rebound in the initial half. Despite these individual efforts, the Wildcats struggled to contain the Cowgirls’ offensive momentum.
In the second half, Oklahoma State intensified their play, outscoring Arizona 48-28 in the middle quarters. The Cowgirls’ offensive strategy was spearheaded by freshman guard Micah Gray, who tallied 20 points, and sophomore guard Stailee Heard, who added 17 points. Their combined efforts extended Oklahoma State’s lead, making it challenging for Arizona to mount a comeback. The Wildcats’ defense faced difficulties in countering the Cowgirls’ dynamic offensive plays, leading to the eventual 19-point defeat.
Individual Performances
Despite the team’s loss, several Arizona players delivered noteworthy performances:
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Isis Beh: The senior forward had a season-best performance, leading the Wildcats with 24 points on an efficient 11-of-13 shooting, and added three rebounds.
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Paulina Paris: Coming off the bench, Paris provided a spark with 15 points, five rebounds, and two assists, showcasing her versatility and resilience.
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Skylar Jones: She led Arizona on the glass, securing six rebounds, though her offensive contributions were limited in this matchup.
On the Oklahoma State side, in addition to Gray and Heard’s impressive performances, forwards Praise Egharevba and Tenin Magassa each contributed 10 points, underscoring the Cowgirls’ balanced offensive approach.
Impact on NET Rating and NCAA Tournament Prospects
The NCAA Evaluation Tool (NET) rating is a pivotal metric in assessing team performances for NCAA Tournament selections. It considers factors such as game results, strength of schedule, game location, scoring margin, and net efficiency. Prior to the loss against Oklahoma State, Arizona was positioned at 59th in the NET rankings.
Despite the 83-64 defeat, Arizona maintained their 59th position in the NET rankings.
This stability suggests that while the loss was a setback, it did not drastically alter their standing. However, with a 15-11 overall record and a 6-7 mark in Big 12 play, the Wildcats find themselves squarely on the NCAA Tournament bubble. Their performance in upcoming games will be crucial in determining their postseason fate.
The Wildcats’ record against quadrant one opponents stands at 1-5, highlighting the need for additional signature wins to enhance their tournament resume.
Quadrant one games are defined as home games against teams ranked 1-30 in the NET, neutral site games against teams ranked 1-50, and away games against teams ranked 1-75. Securing victories in these high-stakes matchups is essential for teams aiming to solidify their positions in the NCAA Tournament.
Upcoming Opportunities
Looking ahead, Arizona has a significant opportunity to bolster their resume with a home game against TCU on Sunday, February 16, 2025. TCU is currently ranked 11th in the Associated Press Top 25 and 9th in the NET rankings, making this a prime chance for the Wildcats to secure a quadrant one victory.
A win against a high-caliber opponent like TCU would not only improve Arizona’s NET ranking but also enhance their visibility and credibility in the eyes of the NCAA Selection Committee.
Head coach Adia Barnes has emphasized the importance of consistency and resilience as the team approaches this critical juncture of the season. The Wildcats will need to address defensive lapses and enhance their offensive efficiency to compete effectively against top-tier teams. The leadership of seasoned players like Isis Beh and the dynamic contributions from emerging talents such as Paulina Paris will be instrumental in the team’s pursuit of postseason success.
Key Factors Influencing Arizona’s Postseason Hopes
With the regular season winding down, Arizona must focus on several critical factors to improve their standing in the NCAA Tournament conversation. Here are some key areas that will determine whether the Wildcats can make a late push:
1. Strength of Schedule and Remaining Games
Arizona’s schedule so far has included several formidable opponents, which has helped maintain a respectable NET ranking despite some tough losses. However, to enhance their tournament prospects, the Wildcats need to capitalize on their remaining games.
Upcoming matchups against ranked teams such as TCU and Texas will be crucial. If Arizona can secure a win against at least one of these top-tier teams, it would provide a significant boost to their resume. Conversely, any additional losses—especially against unranked teams—could push them further down the bubble, making their path to the tournament more difficult.
2. Defensive Adjustments
One of the main reasons for Arizona’s struggles against Oklahoma State was their inability to contain the Cowgirls’ offensive attack. The Wildcats allowed Oklahoma State to shoot nearly 50% from the field and gave up 83 points, one of the highest totals they have conceded all season.
If they hope to turn things around, they will need to tighten their perimeter defense and improve their ability to close out on shooters. Coach Adia Barnes has emphasized the importance of defensive discipline, particularly in transition defense, where Arizona has struggled against faster teams.
3. Offensive Consistency
While individual performances from Isis Beh and Paulina Paris were bright spots, Arizona needs more consistent scoring contributions from the entire roster. The Wildcats have been heavily reliant on a few key players, and when those players are neutralized, the team struggles to generate points.
Moving forward, players like Jada Williams and Maya Nnaji will need to step up as secondary scoring options. If Arizona can develop a more balanced offensive approach, they will be much more dangerous in their final regular-season games and in the Big 12 Tournament.
4. Big 12 Tournament Performance
The Wildcats’ hopes of securing an NCAA Tournament bid could ultimately come down to their performance in the Big 12 Tournament. With their current record, Arizona is projected to enter the conference tournament as a lower seed, which means they will likely have to face tough competition right away.
A deep run in the Big 12 Tournament—perhaps making it to the semifinals or even the championship game—could drastically improve their chances of earning an at-large bid. Additionally, winning the conference tournament outright would guarantee them an automatic berth, eliminating any uncertainty about their selection.
Historical Context and Lessons from the Past
Arizona’s current situation is reminiscent of past seasons where they found themselves on the tournament bubble. In 2021, the Wildcats entered the NCAA Tournament as a No. 3 seed and made a historic run to the national championship game, proving that they can thrive under pressure.
However, in other years, Arizona has found itself on the wrong side of the bubble, missing out on the tournament due to late-season losses. This history underscores the importance of finishing strong and ensuring that they control their destiny rather than leaving it in the hands of the selection committee.
Comparing Arizona to Other Bubble Teams
Arizona is not alone in its battle for an NCAA Tournament spot. Other teams in a similar position include Kansas, Miami, and Oregon, all of whom have comparable records and NET rankings.
According to ESPN’s latest bracketology projections, Arizona is currently listed among the “Last Four In,” meaning they would make the tournament but with little room for error. If they drop another game, they could fall into the “First Four Out” category, which would put their tournament hopes in serious jeopardy.
Conversely, a strong finish could elevate them to a safer position in the bracket, potentially avoiding the need to play in the First Four round of the tournament.
Fan and Media Reactions
Arizona’s loss to Oklahoma State has sparked discussion among fans and analysts about the team’s postseason chances. Many fans took to social media to express their frustration with the defensive struggles, while others remain hopeful that the team can rebound in the coming weeks.
Media analysts have pointed out that while the Wildcats have talent, their inconsistency has been a major issue. Some have suggested that Coach Barnes may need to adjust her rotation or game plan to maximize the team’s potential.
Final Thoughts: Can Arizona Recover?
Despite the disappointing loss to Oklahoma State, the Arizona Wildcats still have a pathway to the NCAA Tournament. Their fate will largely depend on their ability to capitalize on upcoming opportunities and make the necessary adjustments on both ends of the floor.
If they can secure a statement win against TCU or make a deep run in the Big 12 Tournament, their chances of securing an at-large bid will improve significantly. However, if they continue to struggle defensively and drop more games, they risk being left out of March Madness entirely.
As the season nears its conclusion, Arizona must approach each game with urgency, knowing that every win or loss could determine their postseason destiny. Whether they rise to the challenge or fall short remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the next few weeks will be critical for the Wildcats’ tournament hopes.