Arizona women's basketball comes up short against ASU

Wildcats led by as many as 8 in the second half but couldn't hold on

Jan. 28, 2026 at 10:55pm

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The Arizona Wildcats women's basketball team came up short against their in-state rivals, the Arizona State Sun Devils, in a close 68-61 loss. The Wildcats led by as many as 8 points in the second half but were unable to hold onto the lead, with the Sun Devils controlling the offensive boards and hitting more free throws.

Why it matters

This was an important rivalry game between two top women's basketball programs in the state of Arizona. The loss is a setback for the Wildcats, who were looking to pick up a big win against their conference foe.

The details

The game was a close affair, with little separating the two teams. However, the Sun Devils' advantage on the offensive glass and at the free throw line ultimately proved to be the difference. Arizona led by as many as 8 points in the second half, but Arizona State bounced back in the final period to secure the victory.

  • The game was played on Wednesday night in Tempe, Arizona.

The players

Becky Burke

The head coach of the Arizona Wildcats women's basketball team.

Kamryn Kitchen

A player for the Arizona Wildcats who made her first career start in the game.

Gabby Elliott

A guard for the Arizona State Sun Devils.

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What they’re saying

“I am so proud of our team, proud of our effort, proud of our fight. Don't get me wrong, very disappointed with the outcome, but I thought we did a lot of things right, and thought we put ourselves in a position to win, but ultimately we didn't. Doesn't take anything away from how well we executed the game plan, how hard these guys played.”

— Becky Burke, Head Coach, Arizona Wildcats

“Hopefully they bring a little more, because they're going to need it.”

— Gabby Elliott, Guard, Arizona State Sun Devils

The takeaway

This close loss to their in-state rivals shows that the Arizona Wildcats women's basketball team is competitive and capable of challenging the top teams in their conference, despite being short-handed due to injuries. The team's effort and execution give reason for optimism, even in defeat.