Last week the Wolverines extended their winning streak twice – to five with a big 58-point win over Johnson and Wales on Feb. 7 with a final score of 85-27, and to six a 70-58 win over New Jersey Institute of Technology in Newark, New Jersey on Feb. 12.
Senior Robyn Fairbanks, Juniors Julie McMurray and Jordyn Bowen and freshman Jenna Johnson each had big nights against Johnson and Wales.
McMurray scored her 1,000th point minutes into the first half. “I think Julie is an exceptional player and I am glad to see her reach that milestone,” said coach Cathy Nixon.
McMurray is only the third UVU women’s basketball player to surpass the thousand-point mark. “It is a milestone and just really a tribute to her efforts and I think she continues to get better,” added Nixon.
McMurray also put up 21 points, brought down six rebounds, and had three assists in a big 29 minutes.
Fairbanks continued her consistent high scoring with a total of 29 points. This moved her scoring average to above 25.5, which leads the nation. Fairbanks also concluded the game with 12 rebounds in a total 20 minutes of play.
Jenna Johnson came off the bench to see a 22 minutes of game time. Johnson scored a career high of 13 points and had three steals.
Being injured this season up until this game, Bowen came off the bench to make her first season appearance for the Wolverines. Bowen kept it low key in her nine minutes of play but helped UVU with one assist.
“It was a big day for her. You look at the process for her in the last year and boy she’s had to overcome a lot,” Nixon said. Bowen, who had struggled with injuries in the past said, “It’s been a lot of fun practicing with the girls again and getting back on the court is definitely a different feel than being up there with the coaches, but it was a lot of fun.”
Nixon also added, “It sure is good to see her healthy and I think having her out there on the court is just a bonus. What a great kid.”
Bowen has been cleared from injury for the rest of the season and also said, “I’m back in for the season. I’ve been practicing the last couple weeks and it’s been going good.”
In the game against NJIT, Robyn Fairbanks recorded her fourth straight double-double with 30 points and 13 rebounds.
The Wolverines will be on the road for the next three games and will return to defend their home court on Feb. 28. For a recap of the NJIT game, visit WolverineGreen.com
