The Utah Valley University women’s basketball team (6-20, 3-12 Western Athletic Conference) faced off against Grand Canyon University (19-7,11-4 Western Athletic Conference) on Thursday, Feb. 23, with hopes of ending their three-game losing streak, however, their efforts fell short in a 63-53 loss.
UVU struggled with taking care of the ball the majority of the game. This was a difference maker as they ended with a total of 22 turnovers. Despite the struggles with turnovers, they shot a total of 46% from the field and forced a large portion of turnovers on the defensive end.
UVU ended with two players in double figures. Shay Fano led the way with 17 points, including 4-8 from 3 point rangeto go along with seven rebounds. Kaylee Byon scored 11 points recorded four assists..
The Wolverines got out to their best start yet this season shooting 100% from the field, which led to a 10-0 run, but GCU came right back into the game with a 7-0 run of their own. At the end of the 1st quarter the game was knotted up at 15 a piece.
It remained tight through the 2nd quarter until GCU forced a couple of turnovers to spark a 9-0 run that extended their lead 28-16 going into the half. UVU was held to 3 points the entire 2nd quarter, shooting only 10% from the field.
Grand Canyon came out aggressive to start the second half continuing to force turnovers.
However, the Wolverines forced a couple turnovers on their own and shot 75% from beyond the arch,making 3 of their 4 attempts.
With 8:20 to go in the 3rd quarter Byon ended a 8 minute scoring drought for the Wolverines to help start some momentum. GCU tried to pull away as they continued to make shots but the Wolverines stayed right with them and didn’t let them pull away ending the 3rd quarter, trailing by 10.
GCU did not let up and they pressed their advantage the rest of the game. Despite even scoring in the 4th quarter and a late run by the Wolverines, they came up short, losing the contest 63-53.
Utah Valley will continue on the road for their final away game of the season against Seattle U (4-21, 4-11 WAC), Saturday Feb 25 at 3pm M.T. This game will be streamed on ESPN+.
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