Utah Women’s Basketball Comes Up Short Against No. 19 Oregon
Jan 26, 2022, 3:57 PM
(Photo courtesy of Becca Jones)
SALT LAKE CITY – The University of Utah women’s basketball team put up a fight but fell short on the road to No. 19 Oregon 70-66 on Wednesday afternoon.
This game between Utah and Oregon women’s basketball was a contest that was made up after the previously scheduled date was postponed due to COVID-19 issues with the Utes’ program.
Oregon jumped out to an 18-13 lead in the first quarter before Utah responded with a 16-10 second quarter and a 29-28 halftime lead. The Ducks had the better third quarter, outscoring the Utes 21-15 and holding a 49-44 lead entering the fourth quarter. With chances to win the game, Utah came up short by scoring 22 points in the final period and Oregon putting up 21 points.
Tough finish. We will see them again. pic.twitter.com/vkfuv2YsjP
— Utah Basketball (@UTAHWBB) January 26, 2022
Reigning Pac-12 Freshman of the Week Gianna Kneepkens led the Utes with 17 points and five rebounds. Brynna Maxwell dropped 14 points and six rebounds. Kennady McQueen scored 13 points, including three triples. Dru Gylten added 11 points.
“I know I’m tired of saying it, so people are probably tired of hearing it… but we are SO close,” Utah head coach Lynne Roberts said after the game. “I’m incredibly proud of the team’s fight today. We had chances to win it but didn’t. As they finally are now, a healthy Oregon team is a top 10 team without question. On the road, we took the game to the very last minute. Oregon made plays and closed it out nicely. We just have to keep showing up, keep chopping wood, and continue competing.”
Nyara Sabally led the Ducks with 15 points on 7-of-8 shooting from the field. Endyia Rogers chipped in 14 points, while both Te-Hina Paopao and Sydney Parrish added 13 points apiece.
Utah dropped their record to 10-6 overall and 1-3 in Pac-12 play. They will return to the Jon M. Huntsman Center on Friday, January 28 to face Colorado at 7 p.m. MT on Pac-12 Mountain.
Trevor Allen is a Utah Utes Insider for KSLSports.com, Co-Host of Faith, Family and Football podcast with Clark Phillips III and host of the Crimson Corner podcast. Follow him on Twitter: @TrevorASports.