The Arizona Wildcats women’s basketball team is poised to begin its regular season, facing off against the UC Riverside Highlanders on March 15, 2025, at the McKale Center. This season marks a significant transition for the Wildcats, as they will play under new head coach Becky Burke, who takes over after Adia Barnes departed to join Southern Methodist University (SMU). Burke, who previously led the Buffalo Bulls to a remarkable 30 wins last season and a championship in the Women’s National Invitation Tournament (WNIT), aims to replicate that success in a challenging environment.
Rebuilding the Roster
With the departure of Adia Barnes, the Wildcats faced a substantial roster overhaul. Barnes took with her a total of 67 players, while another 17 entered the transfer portal. Burke has responded by assembling a nearly brand-new team, featuring 12 new transfers and freshmen. The only returning player is forward Montaya Dew, who will look to provide leadership amid the changes.
Among the new additions is Mickayla Perdue, the former Horizon League Newcomer of the Year, who averaged 20 points per game last season. Another notable recruit is Achol Magot, who joins after a two-season stint at Texas Tech, where he played nine games. Burke’s ability to mold this team into a competitive unit will be closely watched as the season unfolds.
Facing the Highlanders
The Wildcats will face the UC Riverside Highlanders, who compete in the Big West Conference. The Highlanders are coming off a narrow loss in their season opener against the California Baptist Lancers, falling 56-53. Head coach Brad Langston, now in his second season, will aim to improve his team’s performance after they finished the previous season with a 17-15 overall record and 12-8 in conference play.
During the last season, UC Riverside displayed a strong home performance with a record of 9-3 but struggled on the road, posting a 7-11 record. In the Big West Conference tournament, they defeated Long Beach State before losing to UC Davis. This season, leading scorer Shelley Duchemin will be a crucial player to watch. Last season, she averaged 10.5 points per game and contributed significantly in rebounding, with 223 rebounds throughout the season.
As the Arizona Wildcats prepare for their season opener, fans are eager to see how the newly configured team will perform against UC Riverside. The match promises to be an exciting start to the Wildcats’ campaign, showcasing Burke’s coaching and the potential of the new roster.
For updates and insights on Arizona women’s basketball, fans can engage with the team on social media platforms.
