LAS VEGAS – Junior Kama Griffitts scored 25 points to lead Arizona women’s basketball (2-0) to an 83-82 victory over UNLV (1-1) on Tuesday night.
Griffitts made 7 of 13 3-point attempts in scoring a season high.
Senior Davellyn Whyte contributed 21 points, eight rebounds, six assists and three steals. Whyte showed leadership and poise in the last six minutes of the game, hitting 5 of 6 free throws to seal the win for Arizona.
Juniors Erica Barnes, Alli Gloyd and Carissa Crutchfield had eight points apiece for the Wildcats, and Barnes pulled down six rebounds.
The Wildcats forced 23 turnovers and turned them into 33 points, outrebounded UNLV 36 to 34 and shot 80 percent from the free-throw line.
“UNLV came out and played well —- they shot the ball really well,” Arizona head coach Niya Butts said. “We did a better job of taking care of the basketball tonight. I think that really helped us and we were able to get the win.”
The Rebels shot 65.5 percent from the field in the first half to take a five-point lead and finished the game shooting 63.5 percent, but Arizona was able to take control with a 15-3 run late in the game to pull ahead 80-73.
Kelli Thompson led UNLV with 25 points, five rebounds, four assists and three steals.
Arizona will return to McKale Center to host Cal State Northridge on Saturday, Nov. 17.
