Jada Williams spills beans on “love” between Arizona teammates after 24-point game

Arizona Wildcats guard Jada Williams was full of praise for her teammates after the Wildcats defeated Weber State 87-66 on Monday. Williams said that the love between her teammates contributed to her career-high 24 points, seven rebounds, and four steals to ensure victory for Arizona.

After the game against Weber State Wildcats, Williams explained how love for each other has contributed to the chemistry among the Arizona Wildcats on and off the court.

“Honestly, my teammates were setting great screens and we were all looking for each other,” Williams said, adding, “The ball was moving around. I think that was what gave us momentum.”

“Everyday in practice we just love on each other. We’re about to start Big 12 plays so it’s important that we play together. I think that’s how we’re going to get good wins," Williams uttered.

Still speaking after the win against Weber State, Williams referenced the importance of getting familiar with the team and building on each other’s strengths to communicate better:

“Yeah think growth, we’re a new team. It’s hard when you have a bunch of new players. I think just getting to know each other’s strengths and how we communicate with each other is what happened this first half of the season.”

Williams is in her sophomore season with Arizona and has shown signs of improvement after averaging 9.5 points, 1.7 rebounds, 2.4 assists, and 1.1 steals in the 2023-24 season. She puts up 34.4% from the floor and leads Arizona in assists (3.0) and steals (2.2) per game. Williams has scored double-digit points in 7 of 12 games this season, which has contributed to Arizona's 9-4 record.

Jada Williams and Arizona Wildcats peak ahead of Big 12 opener

Arizona continues its strong momentum as it prepare for its first Big 12 season. Behind a dominant performance from Williams and Sahnya Jah, the Wildcats showcased their depth and offensive firepower at McKale Center against Weber State.

Williams, Arizona’s sophomore point guard and team captain, scored 17 of his career-high 24 in the first half. Williams also served up seven assists, driving Arizona’s offense and providing a much-needed spark.

“I felt good coming in here,” Williams said after the game, adding, “My body felt good, and that’s really what gave me an extra boost of energy.”

Jah, a transfer from South Carolina, contributed 22 points and 10 rebounds, notching a career-best double-double. Fellow reserve player Mailien Rolf also stood out, contributing a career-high 11 points. Their performances were crucial in compensating for the absence of starter Skylar Jones, who missed the game due to a soreness in her heel.

Arizona stormed ahead early, outscoring Weber State 19-6 in the first quarter, with Williams and Jah combining for 27 first-half points, propelling Arizona to a 45-33 halftime advantage. Arizona maintained their control into the second half, with Paulina Paris scoring 10 of her 12 points in the third quarter.

Coach Adia Barnes acknowledged the need for defensive improvements but praised her team’s progress.

“As a coach, you want to see improvement. You want progression, and we’re getting better,” Barnes said.

With this win, Arizona looks ahead to the next matchup against BYU on Saturday. Big 12 play officially begins when the Wildcats host Utah on Dec. 31.