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The Utah Women’s basketball team knocked off Northern Arizona University on Wednesday afternoon to run Utah’s record to 11-0, tying the best start in program history. The win ties this year’s team with the 2000-01 team that also started 11-0. Wednesday’s game concluded the non-conference schedule, which included wins over in state rivals UVU, BYU, SUU and Utah State.
The Utes did not play their best game against Northern Arizona , but were able to hold off the Lumberjacks by a score of 78-65 in the Huntsman Center. NAU stayed within striking distance in the first half, pulling as close as one point, before Utah increased their lead to 34-30 heading into the half. In the third quarter, the game remained tight with both teams matching each other in scoring, allowing Utah to maintain a 55-51 lead heading into the 4th quarter.
Utah stepped up on defense in the final quarter holding the Lumberjacks to just 22% shooting and just 1-5 shooting from the three point line. The Utes outscored NAU 23-14 in the final quarter to finish the non-conference slate undefeated.
Four Utes scored in double figures including junior forward Emily Potter, who scored her 1,000th career point in the 1st quarter. Potter becomes the 26th player in team history to reach the milestone and does it in just the beginning of her junior year. She finished with 22 points and 10 rebounds, her sixth double-double of the season. Paige Crozon finished with 15 points, Tanaeya Boclair finished with 11 points and Malia Nawahine finished with 10 points.
Head Coach Lynne Roberts has done a fantastic job since taking over the program last year. She doubled the win total last season to 18 wins from 9 the previous season. This season she has Utah on the cusp of their best start in school history. The schedule will toughen up in the coming weeks as Pac-12 play begins. For Utah to win their 12th game and set a new record for best start in program history, they will need to beat UCLA when they travel to Los Angeles on Dec. 30th.