If anyone had any questions about the inclusion of Sam Thomas on the preseason watch list for the Naismith Award, her game had all the answers. Thomas started her super senior season with two straight baskets to lead the way in the Wildcats’ 87-44 win over the Cal State Northridge Matadors.
The only thing better would be having Aari McDonald in McKale Center. And she was.
McDonald surprised the team by showing up for their opening game. She was greeted with a huge ovation from the crowd when she was shown on the scoreboard as the PA announced that she would formally be inducted into the Arizona Ring of Honor in January 2022.