Orem, Utah - Smothering defense and a good shooting effort led Utah Valley State to its first victory over an in-state opponent, a 68-60 victory over Utah State.
The Canadian connection of Robyn Fairbanks and Julie McMurray combined for 42 points. Fairbanks finished the game with 31 points and nine rebounds to lead the Wolverines (2-0). Fairbanks was one point shy of tying a personal--and school--record. Ashley Grimm led UV with five assists and three steals while adding eight rebounds.
"Beating an in-state school is a really big for our team," Fairbanks said. "I was open inside a lot tonight and I feel like I can make open shots."
Utah Valley State held Utah State to just 32 percent shooting from the field while picking up 11 steals and forcing 19 turnovers. Utah Valley had its second consecutive good shooting effort, hitting on 49 percent of its shots.
Coming into the game, Utah Valley was 0-9 against in-state opponents, including 0-2 against the Aggies.
"It is important for the overall progress of our program to beat in-state opponents," head coach Cathy Nixon said. "There are a lot of good programs in the state. We have to establish ourselves by getting wins against them."
The two teams battled closely in the early going. Good defense and poor ball control on both teams led to a combined nine turnovers in the first 4:30. Utah State held a 7-6 lead with 15:30 remaining in the first half.
Behind Fairbanks' play, Utah Valley fought back. Fairbanks hit a three-pointer to put the Wolverines ahead, 15-14, with 11:45 left.
The physical battle continued throughout the remainder of the first half with the two teams battling closely through until half. Utah Valley held the lead until Nicole Johnson hit a jumper with five seconds remaining to give the Aggies a 36-35 halftime lead.
UV shot 56 percent from the field in the first half but had 15 turnovers. The most telling stat of the first half for the Wolverines was that Utah State scored 21 points off Utah Valley's turnovers. In addition to the 21 points off turnovers, the Aggies got 10-of-11 free throws compared to the five attempts. Fairbanks scored 19 first half points.
The Wolverines came out of the break on fire outscoring USU 9-1 over the first 4:24 to get a 44-37 lead. Utah Valley kept the pressure on and built a double-digit lead when Sandy Marvin hit a three-pointer with 11:15 remaining to give the Wolverines a 55-44 lead. Utah Valley took better control of the ball in the second half, committing only eight second-half turnovers.
"Taking care of the ball on the offensive side was the key--offensively and defensively-- for us in the second half," Nixon said.
Utah State made the game interesting down the stretch, cutting the UV lead to 64-60 with one minute to play. The Wolverines were able to make their free throws and defend well down the stretch to ensure the victory.
The Wolverines will get another shot against an in-state opponent when they host Utah Friday at 7 p.m. at the McKay Center.
