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WBB: Utes finally break through in big way with 87-49 win over Eastern Washington

Utah picks up its first win of the season due in part to a balanced attack down low

Ryan Kostecka

WBB: Utes finally break through in big way with 87-49 win over Eastern Washington
WBB: Utes finally break through in big way with 87-49 win over Eastern Washington /

It was only a matter of time until the Utes picked up its first win of the season. Well the wait is now over a a balanced attack in the paint led Utah to an 87-49 victory over visiting Eastern Washington on Monday.

"We just played a lot better tonight," head coach Lynne Roberts told the media postgame. "I thought we played more cohesive on both sides of the ball. It definitely wasn't a perfect game, but I was proud of our team for focusing on the things that we wanted to focus on in both sides."

It was the most balanced effort of the season for the Utes, as 10 players played at least 14 minutes, with all 11 players scoring in the game. Utah also dominated in the paint, outscoring the Eagles 46-16 down low while out-rebounding them 47-28.

"I thought every group that came in brought something and picked it up a little bit in a different way," Roberts said. "We have things to work on, things too clean up, but for the most part I thought we controlled the game and never really relaxed."

Niyah Becker came off the bench with game-highs 17 points (7-of-11 shooting) and 10 rebounds. Brynna Maxwell (12 points) and Ola Makurat (10 points) each finished ind double-figures, while Dru Gylten added a team-high 7 assists.

Despite the lopsided final score, the Utes didn't get off to such a great start, finding themselves trailing 9-8 early on. But Utah responded with a quick 9-0 run and the route was then on.

After taking a 46-26 lead at the half, the Utes really opened things up in third quarter, outscoring Eastern Washington 23-9. A strong defensive effort held the Eagles to 3-of-15 shooting in the frame, while Becker supplied the offense with eight points.

"Offensively, I thought there was progress in our shot selection," Roberts said. "People gave up shots to create something for someone else and that is growth. It shows in our turnovers, it shows in our shooting percentage, that is why it matters. 

Utah returns to action on Friday, Nov. 22 when it faces Texas Southern in the Bank of Hawaii Tournament. Tipoff is set for 3 p.m. MT from Honolulu. The Utes will then face UT-San Antonio on Sunday, Nov. 24 at 3 p.m. MT in the final game of the tournament.

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Ryan Kostecka
RYAN KOSTECKA

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