Arizona ends Idaho’s run in Women’s NIT

TUCSON, Ariz. – Aari McDonald tallied 18 points and 11 assists, and Arizona defeated Idaho 68-60 to reach the quarterfinals of the WNIT on Thursday.

Cate Reese added 14 points for the Wildcats (20-13), who advance to play Wyoming for a trip to the Final Four after the Cowboys defeated Pepperdine.

Sam Thomas tacked on 13 points and a career-high six steals, while Tee Tee Starks scored 11. Arizona outscored Idaho 36-16 in the paint and forced 15 turnovers.

Taylor Pierce scored 20 points, including 6 of 12 on 3-pointers, to lead the Vandals (22-11). Pierce’s six 3-pointers gave her 148 this season, breaking the NCAA single-season record of 146 set by Laura Malernee of West Liberty (West Virginia) in 2009.

Fellow Vandals senior Mikayla Ferenz added 10 points for Idaho as the decorated players concluded their college careers.

Gina Marxen tacked on 10 points and four assists.