by LOGAN, Utah — Kansas City Women’s Basketball (1-0) entered the game and new season ready to play, defeating Utah State (0-1) 80-77. Four double-digit performances from Alayna Contreras (29), Lisa Thomas (17), Emani Bennett (12) and Tami Ugass (10) lifted the Roos over the Aggies and allowed Kansas City to improve its season-opening record to 3-0 in the Head Coach Jackson-Durrett era.
KEY MOMENTS
1Q — 3:12 / 16-11 | The Roos sent a long throw down the court to Chloe Dallas who immediately found Kaia Ponder just outside the lane. Ponder took a dribble and hit the bank shot to put the Blue and Gold up by five.
2Q — 5:20 / 28-23 | Thomas carried the ball down the court taking the Utah State player one-on-one. She went up for the driving layup, taking contact on the play and made the basket. On the Roos’ next drive Thomas once again took the ball down the length of the court converting another basket.
2Q — 4:32 / 33-26 | Alyssa Febres found Contreras just outside half court. Contreras did a quick cross over before heading to the basket, knocking down the shot and picking up a foul on the drive. She knocked down the free throw making it a three-point drive.
3Q — 8:40 / 49-41 | Elauni Bennett flipped the ball to Thomas who connected with Contreras. Contreras lost her defender and drained a step back three for KC’s first basket outside the arc.
4Q — 0:48 / 76-76 | The Aggies took back the lead, extending it to seven at one point. A basket from Em. Bennett brought Kansas City within three. The Roos passed the ball outside the arc finding an open Contreras who knocked down the uncontested three to tie the game.
4Q — 0:24 / 78-76 | Ana Oliveira Dias pushed the ball to Zaire Harrell who found Ugass under the basket. Ugass hit the layup to put the Roos up by two and all but secure the win.
