Kyle Bruderer, Sports Writer, @brudkyle
Mariah “Minnie” Seals had an opportunity to send the game into overtime in the final seconds of regulation, but was unable to connect allowing Seattle University to squeak by with a 64-62 conference tournament victory over the Utah Valley University women’s basketball team.
“That one hurt,” said UVU head coach Cathy Nixon. “I really felt like we put together a game plan and in every way had the opportunities that we had hoped for and honestly, it came down to the free throw line. I’m really proud of our team. Each player came in and did their part. Other than falling just three points short, it was what I had hoped for. I’m nothing but proud of our players.”
UVU held onto a lead until midway through the second half when a three pointer from Masha Shtikel the game at 44. The Wolverines did a great job getting to the free throw line throughout the game, but were unable to capitalize on the charity stripe making only 11 of 24 as a team.
The Redhawks opened up a seven point lead with only 41 seconds left, but UVU wasn’t done fighting. Two turnovers by Seattle within eight seconds gave Rhaiah Spooner-Knight an opportunity to score six quick points making it a one point deficit. The final Wolverine efforts were just too little too late to come away victorious.
Taelor Ross led the way for Seattle with 22 points, 14 rebounds, five blocks, and three steals.
Sam Loggins finished with 12 points and 11 rebounds while Rebecca MaWhinney recorded a double-double as well with 11 points and 10 boards. Spooner-Knight led UVU in scoring 14 points.
Spooner-Knight and Loggins each expressed their feelings after the painful loss.
“I’m just so disappointed because we should’ve won that game,” said Spooner-Knight. “I’m really sad because we worked our butts off this season and we’ve improved so much.”
“I’m just mad,” Loggins said. “I’m like pissed off because I really wanted to win that game so I’m excited for next year. We’re going to come back and we’re going to win it.”
The Wolverines will have all of their starters returning next season and they are hungry to get back on the court already.
