The Utah women’s basketball team looks to make it seven wins in a row as it faces in-state rival Utah State at the Huntsman Center on Saturday, Dec. 3. Currently, the Utes are on a six game winning streak, marking their best start to a season under head coach Lynne Roberts, and it is the program’s best start since 2012.
Senior wing Paige Crozon had a lot to say about the Utes’ hot start.
“So far, we’ve had multiple players contribute and everyone on our team is capable of stepping up,” Crozon said. “Obviously we have [junior forward Emily] Potter down low, and she does her thing well. But I think it’s hard to guard when you have seven to nine players who can make plays and score.”
Roberts handed out some high praise when asked what the key to the team’s success was.
“I think it’s been our great players — it begins and ends there,” Roberts said. “We have legitimate depth this year, which isn’t a luxury that we had last season. We’ve played defense really well, and I think we are ranked 13th in the nation in defensive field goal percentage.”
That defensive efficiency was in full force in a weeknight game against another in-state school, SUU. The Thunderbirds were held to 13 points in the first half. SUU only connected on 15.6 percent of its shot attempts, and it only made it to the free throw line four times in the first half.
“I’m pleased that we won which the obvious goal anytime you put a uniform on,” Roberts said. “I thought we did a great job defensively in the first half, but I’m not pleased with how we played in the second half.”
The win against SUU may bode well for the Utes in their matchup against the Aggies, because USU’s sole loss this season came against the Thunderbirds. Last year’s matchup provides more determination for this team to come away with a win.
“Playing in-state schools is really tough, because each game is so intense,” Roberts said. “Each game against these in state schools is so intense that if you aren’t careful, you could underestimate a good opponent and come away with a loss. I’m not happy with how we won last year, and I know that they are going to come in and play hard to get a win.”
Last year, the Utes came away with a one point win on a last second shot in Logan. Potter echoed Robert’s sentiments.
“Coming here, I didn’t know how big these games against in state schools were,” Potter said. “When we played USU last year it was a really intense and competitive game. I hate that it took a last second shot to win that game, and I know USU is going to do everything they can to beat us here. They are a good team this year and they can beat us if we aren’t careful.”
Tip off for the game begins at 2 p.m.
@JaredWalch