Arizona’s Cate Reese named Pac-12 Freshman of the Week again

After a shaky start to conference play, Cate Reese is adjusting quite well.

The Arizona Wildcats forward was named the Pac-12 Freshman of the Week for the second straight week Monday after averaging 15.5 points and 8.0 rebounds on 54 percent shooting in Arizona’s split vs. the Los Angeles schools.

The McDonald’s All-American had 17 points and six rebounds in the win over USC, then 14 points and 10 rebounds in the triple-overtime loss to UCLA, her first Pac-12 double-double.

After averaging 4.8 points and 4.3 rebounds in her first five conference games, Reese has now scored in double figures in four-straight games for the second time this season.

She leads all freshmen in the Pac-12 in both scoring (12.4 ppg) and rebounding (7.8 rpg), and has the second-most double-doubles in the Pac-12 among freshmen (5).

Reese has been named Pac-12 Freshman of the Week three times this season. Before that, no Wildcat had ever won the nomination.

The Wildcats are 14-6 overall and 4-5 in the Pac-12. They head up to Tempe this Friday looking to complete the sweep of the No. 21 Arizona State Sun Devils.

UA point guard Aari McDonald was not named Pac-12 Player of the Week, despite averaging 27.5 points, 7.5 assists, and 7.5 rebounds on 54 percent shooting against USC and UCLA.

Utah’s Megan Huff, who averaged 20.5 points, 11.0 rebounds, 3.0 steals, and 2.0 blocks in a sweep over the Bay Area schools, won the nomination instead.