Kyle Bruderer, Sports Writer
The Utah Valley University women’s basketball team earned their first win of the regular season on Saturday by soundly defeating the Bristol University Bears 109-74.
“It was a team effort and we had some players come off the bench and make the contribution that we need them to. I talked to the girls in the locker room after the game and we’re not just focused on this game, we’re focused on the process of building ourselves into a championship team.” Said head coach Cathy Nixon.
After a tough loss to Eastern Washington just a day earlier, UVU was determined to get a win on their home court. From the moment that the game clock started running the Wolverines were in control. UVU did an exceptional job distributing the basketball throughout the first half which created open looks all over the floor. As a team UVU had 16 assists in the first half. The wolverines finished the first half on top 56-33 thanks to double digit scoring from Rhaiah Spooner-Knight, Karlee Norris, and Taylor Gordon.
The Bears found themselves in foul trouble for most of the game putting UVU at the free throw line 45 times. The Wolverines utilized that opportunity to improve their free throw percentage drastically as the game went on. They shot 53 percent as a team in the first half and then 80 percent in the second half.
Tonight was especially fun for the players because each one of them who played ended up scoring. Freshman guard Taylor Gordon had 23 points on 8 of 12 from the field, it also happened to be her birthday.
“After last night’s game and today’s game I have a lot of confidence in my team and myself.” Said Gordon.
UVU finished with four players in double figures. Norris and Spooner-Knight played very efficient games with 14 points and 8 rebounds each. Sam Loggins also chipped in with 12 points.
The Wolverines will play at home at the UCCU center against Montana Tech on Monday Nov. 17th at 7:00 pm
