Citizen Staff Writer
ARIZONA WOMEN’S BASKETBALL
KEN BRAZZLE
kbrazzle@tucsoncitizen.com
Ify Ibekwe is back, and that’s good news for the Arizona women’s basketball team.
Ibekwe was sidelined last week with a strained right knee, forcing her to miss the Washington and Washington State games. Arizona split the two games without her.
Ibekwe came back Thursday and helped UA almost pull off a stunning upset of No. 2 Stanford. The Wildcats fell 70-67 on the road.
“We’re happy that we gave them a game,” said Arizona coach Niya Butts. “I am proud of the way we played. I am not into moral victories but I am proud.”
Saturday, UA visits No. 9 California.
Ibekwe played like her old self Thursday, finishing with 17 points and 13 rebounds in 38 minutes.
The 6-foot-1 Ibekwe has just about wrapped up the Pac-10 rebounding title with 11.6 per game. She- ranks second in scoring in the league at 15.7 points per game.
UA freshman guard Courtney Clements has continued her outstanding play down the stretch for Arizona. She scored 17 points against Stanford for her seventh-straight game in double figures.
Arizona, picked to finish last in the Pac-10, can clinch eighth-place in the conference with a win. Cal has a two-game losing skid, including a 22-point loss to Arizona State at home Thursday.
Ibekwe’s return good news for UA women
UA WOMEN’S HOOPS
Arizona (11-17, 4-13) at No. 9 California (23-5, 14-3)
When: 1:30 p.m. Saturday
Where: Berkeley, Calif.
Radio: 1400 AM