Leading the UNLV Rebels by two with 2:30 remaining, the Utes pulled away and won 66-59. Utah forward Michelle Plouffe led the way with a double-double, scoring 26 points and pulling down 11 rebounds. It was her third double-double of the season. For the night, the Utes shot 52 percent from the field.
“This is a really good shooting basketball team,” said Utah head coach Anthony Levrets. “We shoot the ball well and it is a huge strength to this team. Offensively we shoot the ball well in all positions. I do not expect us to shoot that hot every night, but every night so far we have had over 50 percent because we have good offensive players that can make shots.”
After the first Rebel points, the Utes went on a 11-0 run that was started when Danielle Rodriguez cut to the basket for a layup. Utah maintained the lead throughout the first half and went into the locker room leading 36-28.
But as has been the case multiple times this season, the Utes had some trouble finishing out the game the way they started. After shooting over 55 percent from the field in the first frame, their shooting percentage dipped below 48 in the second. Conversely, UNLV began to have more offensive success down the stretch than it had early in the contest. The Rebels were led by Danielle Miller, who scored 16 points.
Ultimately, though, Plouffe sealed the deal with two free throws and a rebound in the final seconds.
“I think we just came out focused,” she said. “We played good defense and that translated into our offense as well, except for the last few minutes of the game. But the first half we came up strong, we were aggressive offensively and when we do that it benefits us. Defensively we were solid until the last few minutes.”
Though Plouffe carried the load Tuesday, the scoring for Utah was quite balanced. Ciera Dunbar posted 11 points and the Utes’ three freshmen combined for 12. Rodriguez had five of the team’s 15 assists.
Though thankful for the win, another challenge awaits the Utes. After celebrating Thanksgiving and having some fun in Sin City, the team will prepare for contests with the Butler Bulldogs and Marquette Golden Eagles at the South Point Thanksgiving Shootout. Utah will play Butler on Friday and Marquette on Saturday.
Levrets said balancing fun with focus on the competition at hand is always tricky for a coach.
“If you were to figure that out and answer it I think every coach in America will buy your secret,” he said. “It is really important for you to have a good time, but it is also important to trust that your kids will do the right thing.”