After the Lady Utes’ last game, they had just been ranked #22 in the nation, a first for new head coach Gavin Petersen. On Wednesday night, the Utes faced off against the Kansas State Wildcats and took a disappointing loss to another fellow ranked team. One notable derailment was that the Utes were missing a primary scorer in Kennedy McQueen.
First Quarter
To begin, the Utes had a slow start, allowing an 18-4 run for Kansas State. To end this drought, Reese Ross would drain a 3-pointer to end the run. After this play, no team would score for the next 3 minutes, including the Utes not scoring for the rest of the quarter, ending 20-7 for the opposing team.
Second Quarter
The Utes defense was having a difficult time trying to contain Kansas State. They allowed two quick layups back to back. Kansas State would then continue to keep on scoring the ball, taking the Utes down as many as 18 before we were halfway through the quarter.
The Utes would attempt to make a quick run, with Gianna Kneepkins knocking down a three, then Jenna Johnson with a layup. After a bit more play, Mayè Tourè would get fouled, drain two free throws, and the Utes would get a layup by Ines Vieira to get some pickup going. Kneepkens would then get fouled to make it a 9-point game by the half; Utah would head into the locker room, 31-22.
Third Quarter
The quarter started with both teams trading baskets and playing physically on defense and offense. However, after keeping within a 10-point game after a layup by Tourè, Kansas State would continue to be consistent on offense. About 2 minutes later, the Utes would be down 15 points. The Utes would continue to attempt to keep up on offense, but Kansas State would keep finding the basket. The quarter would end with the Wildcats taking a 57-35 lead.
Fourth Quarter
The Utes would again not have a good start to the quarter. The Utes defense would give up two quick buckets to Kansas State. Utah would get some occasional baskets but still could not keep up to warrant a comeback against a team that was in a rhythm. The Utes would keep getting outpaced on both offense and defense despite scoring some points through fouls and jumpers throughout the game. The end of the quarter did not have much action, with the final score 71-47.
