SALT LAKE CITY – Guard Gianna Kneepkens and guard Lazar Stefanovic each earned Pac-12 Freshman of the Week honors for their performances during the week of January 17-23.

The Pac-12 announced the awards on Monday, January 24.

In two games, Kneepkens averaged 17.5 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 1.0 assist per game. She shot 50.0 percent (11-of-22) from the floor and 66.7 percent (6-of-9) on three-pointers.

The Utes fell to No. 10 Arizona 76-64 before picking up their first Pac-12 win of the season, a 72-63 victory over Arizona State. Kneepkens led the Utes in scoring each game.

This is the third Pac-12 Freshman of the Week honor for Kneepkens and fifth for the team as Jenna Johnson has received recognition twice.

Stefanovic averaged 11 points, 3.7 rebounds and 2.3 assists this past week for the Runnin’ Utes.

Utah fell in two games against top-20 teams this week. No. 9 UCLA pulled ahead late in a 64-62 Utah loss before No. 15 USC controlled the action in a 79-67 win.

A season high 18 points, including a 4-7 performance from the three-point line by Stefanovic gave Utah a chance to knock off the Bruins.

This is the second Freshman of the Week honor for Stefanovic and he becomes the first Ute to earn multiple honors since the award began in 2019-20.

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