On Wednesday, head coach Gavin Petersen’s Utes took a trip to Lubbock, Texas, and earned a hard-fought victory.
The Two season-high point performances from Jenna Johnson and Kennady McQueen powered the Utes past the Texas Tech Red Raiders by a score of 70-64, winning their fourth-consecutive game in conference play.
First Half
Starting the game, the Red Raiders came out firing. A 10-0 run late in the first quarter gave Texas Tech a 15-10 lead over the Utes, but Utah hung around thanks to some quick offensive possessions though the team still trailed 17-15 at the end of the quarter.
Texas Tech expanded their lead to eight early in the second quarter, but Utah continued to punch back. After gradually chipping away possessions, Utah took the lead back late in the second quarter. A Red Raider three-pointer would take that lead right back, however, as Tech took a 33-31 lead into the half.
Second Half
In what was shaping up to be another physical conference matchup, Utah knew what it was going to take to get over the hump. The Runnin’ Utes found a spark immediately in the third quarter, jumping out to a 12-2 run.
Seniors Johnson and McQueen put on a show in the third, scoring every one of the Utes’ 23 points in the period. The two combined their efforts to power the Utes to a 54-50 lead heading into the fourth quarter.
Utah played smart basketball throughout the final 10 minutes of the game, never surrendering their third-quarter lead. Fundamentally sound offense and defense kept Texas Tech on its heels as Utah picked up another road win, 70-64.
The neck-and-neck matchup brought out the best in the Lady Runnin’ Utes. Utilization of depth was a key component to victory, giving star Gianna Kneepkens a much-needed weight off her shoulders.
Mayè Tourè posted her second double-double of the season with 12 points and 11 rebounds. Her two blocks and three rebounds disrupted Texas Tech’s offense all night, giving a strong defensive presence down low.
The Utes are now 18-5 on the year and 9-3 in Big 12 play. A highly competitive conference schedule has proven to be a battle for the Utes, but a favorable stretch coming up gives them a great opportunity to climb the standings.
Coming up, the Utes will head back to Salt Lake City for back-to-back home games against UCF and Colorado.