The U women’s basketball team’s Saturday loss to Colorado State was unusual not only in that it went to triple overtime for the outcome to finally be decided, but also because the Utes lost it in the Huntsman Center.
While the Utes certainly are not impervious to defeat at home, especially when taking on the No. 23-ranked team in the nation, JMHC constitutes a venue where home-court advantage actually means something.
“Utah is always one of the toughest road trips for teams,” said senior CSU forward Ashley Augspurger.
Prior to that loss, the U had won 13 straight at home, dating back to an upset suffered against Loyola Marymount a year ago. Against MWC competition, Utah is 14-2 all-time in home games.
On the Rebound
Sure, playing three extra sessions and having two teams shoot a combined 53-of-161 (32.9 percent) will create a lot of rebounding opportunities, but that doesn’t make the Utes’ 70 rebounds in the Colorado State game any less astounding, especially considering that the Rams got only 54 themselves.
Leading the way was the power tandem of Lauren Beckman and Katherine McColl, who each totaled career-highs, with 18 and 17, respectively.
U coach Elaine Elliott was particularly impressed with the efforts of the latter, who also added 16 points for the game.
“It’s just heart and will with her. That kid will never back down, and she will always compete,” Elliott said. “You can’t have a better player on a team.”
The 70 boards were the second-highest single-game total ever for the U. The school record is 74 against Utah State way back on Feb. 18, 1984.
Should Have Stayed in Bed
Though Beckman had her fifth double-double of the season against CSU (13 points, 18 rebounds), her 1-of-14 shooting performance likely will keep that game off her personal highlight reel.
An aggressive Rams double team consistently forced Beckman out of the paint and into taking long-distance shots in order to have scoring opportunities, but the coach said she isn’t worried about such results becoming commonplace.
“We don’t mind Beck taking 18-footers,” Elliott said. “Her 1-for-14 night is a once-in-a year thing for her. She’ll be back.”