University of Washington
Utah
Washington Falls At Utah, 69-61
February 13, 2015 | Women's Basketball
Box Score
SALT LAKE CITY – Washington got off to a slow start and their comeback attempt came up short, falling on the road to Utah, 69-61. The Dawgs (18-7, 7-6 Pac-12) had a rare off night during a season they have been so impressive. Instead, Utah (8-16, 2-11) was the aggressor, picking up just their second conference win of the season.
Kelsey Plum finished with 22 points to lead the Dawgs, but 13 of those were in the final 4:02 as Washington attempted a furious comeback. Trailing by as many as 18, Washington cut the lead to four with 1:45 to play, but could get no closer.
Talia Walton also had strong night offensively, finishing with 17 points on 6-11 shooting, including 4-6 from beyond the 3-point line.
The difference came on the defensive end where the Dawgs could not slow down the Utah attack. The Utes shot 50 percent (26-52), including 9-20 from beyond the arc. Utah also outrebounded Washington, 35-25.
The Dawgs did not play well defensively in the first half, allowing 37 points to the Utes who score a Pac-12 worst 55.2 per game. Utah shot 15-30 (50 percent) from the floor, while also outrebounding Washington, 20-13.
The Huskies stayed in the game with their 3-point shooting. Washington was 7-11 from beyond the arc in the half, including 3-4 from Walton who had 11 points. Brianna Ruiz added 2-2 from 3-point range, while Jazmine Davis and Plum were each 1-1.
After the break, the Utes would build a big margin, leading by 17 with 13:02 to play. The teams would trade baskets until the 5:16 mark when Utah had its largest lead of 18.
This is when the Dawgs attempted their comeback. Davis got things started with three free throws, before Plum found her shot from beyond the arc. The sophomore guard drilled 3-pointers on three-straight possessions, then added two free throws to cut the lead to four with 1:45 to play.
The Huskies could not get any closer, however, as Utah made its free throws down the stretch. The loss was the first of the season for the Huskies against a team outside the top-27 of the RPI.
Washington will now a quick turnaround to Sunday's game at Colorado. The Buffaloes(11-13, 4-9) routed Washington State on Friday night and now will host the Dawgs for a 4:30 p.m. local time and 5:30 Pacific time tip.
