SALT LAKE CITY - February 29th, 2024
No. 18 Utah picked up an 82-67 win over Washington State Thursday afternoon.
Utah's 14-2 start to the game and strong third quarter combined with the Utes' balanced offensive attack--including five scoring in double figures--propelled Utah to the win. Utah was led by Kennady McQueen's 22 points, tying her career high.
Utah is now 21-8 overall on the season and 11-6 in Pac-12 play.
GAME SUMMARY
Utah started the game with a 14-2 lead and held the Cougars scoreless for three minutes. Utah's hot start was thanks in large part to four made three pointers in the three minutes. Utah went on to end the first quarter on an 11-2 run for a 25-10 lead.
The Utes pushed their lead to 16 points thanks to a three pointer by Dasia Young with just over four minutes remaining in the first half. Utah then hit a three minute scoring drought that Washington State used to go on a 10-0 run. Alissa Pili hit a mid-range jumper to end the drought. Kennady McQueen ended the half with five points in the final 44 seconds to give Utah a 45-34 lead going into the half.
Utah outscored WSU 21-10 in the third quarter thanks to a 13-2 run. Utah held Washington State scoreless for four minutes in the third and pushed out for a 22-point lead. The Utes led 66-44 going into the final quarter of play.
Washington State had a big fourth quarter, outscoring the Utes 23-16 but Utah had control of the game and pulled ahead for a 82-67 win.
LEADERS
Utah had five Utes score in double figures and were led by Kennady McQueen's 22 points. Alissa Pili put up her fourth double-double on the year with 21 points and a season-high 12 rebounds. Ines Vieira had 13 points and had a game-high six assists. Lani White added 11 points and tied her career-high with five rebounds. Dasia Young rounded out the Utes' balanced performance with 10 points.
COMPARISON
Utah ended the game shooting 54.1 percent from the field while Washington State shot 43.5. Utah knocked down 11 made from beyond the arc for 44.0 percent while the Cougars hit five from deep for 27.8 percent. Utah shot 71.4 percent from the free throw line while WSU shot 80.0 percent.
HEAR FROM THE UTES
Head Coach Lynne Roberts
Opening statements . . .
"Great win for us, from the start we set the tone and energy with a 14-2 score. Washington State is a good team and we knew they weren't going to roll over. In the second half, during the third quarter we outscored them by 11 but in the fourth quarter we got a little sloppy and gave them some threes but we had the game in control. All in all, great game, it's hard to win by double digits in this league but defensively the game plan was defending their ball screens, they have a lot of unique action and we have to be dialed in. We knew that anytime [Alissa] Pili caught the ball their defense would key in every time she posted up, two people were swarming and that's why we hit 11 from deep. You have to pick your poison with us, if you want to do that, then we'll hit threes or cut and get free for a layup."
On the final week of the season . . .
"We have adjusted and adapted. There is no mystery as to what individual roles are, there's no mystery either about what makes us good and not very good. There is a sense of urgency because February is hard, it's challenging because you're playing teams for the second time, everyone is looking towards March. Either you're playing in the NCAA tournament or looking for the season to be over, now we're in that time where there is no room for regression so players feel that and try to get into a groove a little bit."
On Lani White's performance . . .
"She stopped worrying about playing, when you're focused on when you're in the game and thinking about making something great happen or messing up, it's hard. I have been there before too as a player so I understand it's hard to push through that. She gave us great minutes at USC. She did a good job and finished off in the stretch defensively. She brings life, energy, and plays her tail off. I'm proud of her and I want her to play. She's getting to the point where she stopped worrying about making a mistake and you can see her confidence blossom."
#35, Alissa Pili, Forward
On the importance of this time of year . . .
"It's crucial to stay locked in. Especially at the time we are at now, it's crunch time so every game matters especially these last two home games. This will help us get us in a good position for the future so I believe that's the most important thing right now."
#24, Kennady McQueen, Guard
On tonight's offensive success . . .
"When you have Alissa Pili owning the paint, it makes a guard job easier. She did a great job of finding an open man and I thought our ball movement was awesome tonight which is why I had so many open shots. When we move the ball like that, that's Utah basketball and it's gonna end up in the right hand for an open shot."
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