University of Washington
8-18, 1-13Pac12
Utah
19-7, 8-7Pac12
Melgoza Pours in 21 But Huskies Fall at Utah
February 22, 2019 | Women's Basketball
The loss drops Washington's overall record to 8-18, 1-13 in Pac-12 play. Utah improves to 19-7, 8-7 in-conference, with the win.
Melgoza led Washington with 21 points, but the Huskies received contributions from Missy Peterson, who put up five points, as well as Hannah Johnson and her seven points. Utah was paced by Megan Huff, who had 17 points, ten rebounds and three steals, to go with the 17 points from Kiana Moore.
Washington got off to a rocky start, falling behind Utah 25-20 after the first quarter. The Huskies managed 64.3% shooting from the field, including 40.0% from three, where they made two shots. Facing the Washington defense, Utah put together their lead on 53.3% shooting, 50.0% from three, with three makes from beyond the arc in the first frame.
While they weren't able to erase their first quarter deficit, Utah's advantage over Washington did not expand in the second period, as the two teams headed into the break with the score 44-31. Melgoza's 16 points were the bright spot for the Huskies in the first half.
Washington's halftime deficit expanded in the third quarter, and the Huskies entered the final frame trailing 72-50. Washington's bench gave them a huge spark in the period, accounting for ten of their 19 points.
Washington entered the fourth quarter trailing, and it didn't get any better in that frame, as they saw their deficit increase on the way to an 88-56 loss. Johnson was the bright spot for the Huskies in the second half. She put up seven points to lead Washington.
Over the course of the game, Washington shot 41.1% from the field, including 27.3% from three, and made six shots from downtown. Utah, on the other hand, finished 55.0% from the field and 41.4% from three, nailing 12 shots from deep. The Huskies received a significant contribution from their bench as well, as 24 of their 56 points came from non-starters. Utah had control of the boards in the contest, outrebounding Washington 40-27 and controlling the offensive glass at a 14-9 clip. Washington was less cautious taking care of the basketball than Utah. The Huskies turned the ball over 17 times, while Utah coughed it up on 12 occasions.
The Huskies play their final road game of the regular season on Sunday, taking on Colorado at 12:00 pm PT (1:00 pm MT).
