Nov. 13, 2009

Box Score

PROVO, Utah - Utah Valley got a game-high 20 points from senior Julie Smith but couldn't make up for its distinct lack of size, falling 73-51 at BYU on Friday in the Marriott Center.

Smith hit seven of her first 10 shots from the floor but the Cougars (1-0) had their way in the paint and on the glass to run out to the win in the season-opener for both schools.

BYU finished with 46 rebounds, 26 of which came on the offensive glass while the Wolverines (0-1) had 32 rebounds. The Cougars' 26 offensive boards led to 20 second-chance points. BYU also had a 28-12 edge on points in the paint.

Early on the Cougars used the long ball to jump out to an early double-digit lead and later in the half made use of their distinct size advantage.

Half of BYU's 22 first-half rebounds came on the offensive end. UVU had 11 rebounds total in the first frame and fell behind 45-26 at the break.

Four quick 3-point buckets gave BYU an 18-7 edge less than eight minutes in. Smith nearly singlehandedly kept UVU in the game with 14 of her points in the half. Kaycee Mansfield added eight by the break but the two combined for all four of the team's first-half points.

BYU extended the lead to as much as 33 in the second half before the Wolverines were able to whittle the lead back to 19 within the last two minutes on a bucket by Jenna Johnson.

Smith was the only Wolverine in double figures with Mansfield finishing with eight and Blake Reynolds six. Kyra Prause led UVU with seven rebounds in 13 minutes off the bench.

The Cougars were led by 14 points apiece from Keilani Moeaki and Mindy Nielson while Coriann Wood finished with 10 points and eight rebounds. The Cougars now lead the all-time series between the two teams 4-0.

The Wolverines will open their home schedule on Saturday at 3:05 p.m. against Mesa State before hosting College of Idaho on Monday at 7:05 p.m.