by SALT LAKE CITY – The University of Utah women’s basketball advances to the Sweet 16 with a 63-56 win over Princeton on Sunday evening.
This is the third time in school history the Utes have made it to the Sweet 16. Utah made appearances in 2001 and 2006.
Utah started the game out strong, capturing a 20-12 lead at the end of the first quarter. Utah shot 66% from the field in the first quarter going 8-12. Utah then started the second quarter on a 7-2 run and pushed out for a 32-62 lead going into the half. Princeton narrowly outscored Utah in the second quarter 14-12.
Utah lagged in the third quarter letting Princeton bring the score within two with just 1:00 minute remaining. Kennady McQueen sank a pair of free throws to give Utah a 46-42 lead going into the final quarter of action. The Tigers pounced on the boards in the third quarter out rebounding the Utes 15-7.
It was the Utes free throw shooting ability’s time to shine in the fourth quarter. Utah shot 13-19 from the line to keep the lead in favor of the Utes. Utah’s final 11 points of the game came from the line and gave the Utes the 63-56 victory over Princeton.
LEADERS
Utah had two Utes score in double figures and were led by Alissa Pili who had 28 points and the game high rebounds 10 for a season high and her first double-double on the year. Pili went 8-13 from the field and 11-13 from the free throw line.
Jenna Johnson also had double figure scoring with 15 points. She also pulled down six rebounds.
COMPARISON
Utah ended the game shooting 39 percent from the field, six percent from beyond the arc, and 75 percent from the free throw line.
Princeton shot 28 percent from the field, 19 percent from the three and 73 percent from the free throw line.
Utah had a strong night in the paint outscoring the Tigers 32-18. Utah crashed the boards and pulled down 42 to Princeton’s 39.
STAND OUT STATS
Alissa Pili has scored a combined 61 points in two games. The last time any Ute had two games with 20 or more points in an NCAA Tournament game was Kim Smith in 2003. Smith put up a combined 55 points in two games.
This is only the third time Utah has made it to the Sweet Sixteen and are looking for their second Elite 8 appearance in school history.
