Feb. 1, 2007
Box Score
Newark, New Jersey - Utah Valley State took its longest trip of the season and equaled its most lopsided win, 79-48 at New Jersey Tech on Thursday night. The win ends a seven-game losing streak and ups the Wolverines to 11-10, tying the school record for wins in a season.
Utah Valley shot 59% in the first half while holding the Highlanders to just 19% en route to a 23 point half time lead in the blowout win.
"It feels good. We've been aching for this for awhile," said head coach Cathy Nixon. "I think the kids came out with good energy and intensity and sustained that pretty well."
Robyn Fairbanks had 17 points and 12 rebounds in just 14 minutes of action, recording her ninth "double-double" of the season, while Julie McMurray finished with 13. Every player saw significant action for the Wolverines, who never trailed and led by as much as 36 in the ballgame.
New Jersey Tech, in just its first season of Division-I action after transitioning from D-II dropped to 3-17 on the year and has now lost eight straight games. The Highlanders were led in scoring by Jill Dickinson and Colleen Vogel, who each had nine points.
Utah Valley jumped out to a quick 8-0 lead with Fairbanks hitting a lay up and back-to-back three pointers by Rebekah Peterson and Sandy Marvin. After two NJIT free throws, Fairbanks hit a three and Ashley Grimm scored to put UV up 13-2.
The Wolverines got help from the bench as well with McMurray providing an immediate spark. She hit a three to put the Wolverines up 20-5 and spurred a 14-4 run to put her team up 27-9.
"She was consistent on both ends of the floor tonight," said Nixon. "She attacked on the dribble she knocked down the perimeter shots and defensively she maintained a good level of intensity and that's what we're hoping from her. I think she can contribute significantly."
Fairbanks had 13 points on 6-of-7 shooting and seven rebounds in just nine first half minutes.
In the second half the Wolverines led by as much as 36 at 64-28, cruising the rest of the way.
New Jersey Tech will make the long trip to Utah for a game on February 24th in what will be the final home of the season for the Wolverines.
GAME NOTES...Asumi Nakayama had 11 points, five assists and three steals off the bench for Utah Valley ... the Wolverines outscored NJIT 41-22 in bench points ... Fairbanks' 17 points leave her 13 shy of becoming the first Utah Valley player to reach 1,000 for her career since transitioning to Divison-I Athletics ... freshman Blake Reynolds had seven points and four rebounds, setting a career high in points and matching a high in rebounds.
