Dec. 8, 2007

Box Score

PROVO, Utah - Utah Valley couldn't overcome an ice cold shooting night, hitting just 29% from the field and dropping its second straight game, 72-52 at BYU on Saturday.

Robyn Fairbanks had 22 points and eight rebounds to lead the Wolverines while Julie McMurray added 20 points as the two combined for 42 of UV's 52 total points. BYU (4-5) was led by Mallary Carling who had 13 points while Shawnee Slade chipped in 11.

"They (BYU) did exactly what they had to do. They took care of their home court, they stepped up...I credit them with having a good game," said head coach Cathy Nixon. "We just didn't play well enough to beat them."

Utah Valley had to dig itself out of an early hole after struggling to hit from the field while BYU hit six of its first eight three point attempts and built a 29-11 lead under 12 minutes into the ballgame.

The Wolverines used a 14-2 run capped by a Susie Cornejo three-pointer to get within six, 31-25, with 2:19 left in the half before the Cougars scored the final four points of the half and carried a 35-25 edge into the break.

The Cougars scored four straight in the second half, extending the run to 8-0 and taking a 39-25 lead.

Utah Valley got within eight, 43-35, with 13:05 to go on a McMurray bucket but would get no closer than 10 after Mindy Nielson hit two free-throws with 12:29 remaining.

McMurray hit a three with 2:54 left to bring UV within 10 again, 58-48, but BYU went on a 13-0 run to put the game out of reach.

The Cougars won the rebounding battle 50-39 and turned 20 offensive rebounds into 17 second chance points. Utah Valley also hurt itself with 25 turnovers leading to 22 BYU points.

The win gives the Cougars a 3-0 all-time series lead and also means the Wolverines finish the season against in-state schools at 2-1.

The 29% shooting night is the lowest percentage since the 2005-06 season.

Up next, Utah Valley will host Portland next Saturday at 3:05 pm MT before traveling to Duke for a game on Tuesday, December 18th.