Feb. 7, 2009
Box Score
OREM, Utah - Julie McMurray became just the third Utah Valley women's basketball player to reach 1,000 career points in the Wolverines' 85-27 blowout win over Johnson & Wales on Saturday afternoon.
McMurray reached the milestone following a steal and a layup with 14:27 to go the in first half. It's the season-best fifth straight win for the Wolverines, who scored the first 13 points of the game en route to their biggest victory of the season.
"We've talked a lot about Julie this year and how's she's put it all together," said head coach Cathy Nixon. "I'm glad to see her reach that milestone. For her to accomplish that is a tribute to her efforts. I think she just continues to get better."
Robyn Fairbanks upper her nation-leading scoring average to 25.5 per game after recording 29 points and 12 rebounds in just 20 minutes of action. Fairbanks, who now has 42 career double-doubles including 10 this season, hit 13-of-17 from the field.
McMurray finished with 21 points and six rebounds on 8-for-11 from the field. Jenna Johnson scored a career-high 13 points on 4-of-5 shooting and also had three steals. Johnson played 22 minutes, a season high for the freshman.
Hollie Beaman and Asumi Nakayama each had nine assists. Utah Valley finished with 27 assists on the night. Beaman also contributed six rebounds and three steals with Nakayama picking up four steals on the afternoon.
Lauren Smith came of the bench to score six points and pull down 10 rebounds in 17 minutes. Erika Newbold and Kayla Burningham each had five points and seven rebounds, helping UVU to a lopsided 56-28 advantage on the boards.
Utah Valley scored the first 13 points of the game and closed the half on an 18-3 spurt to take a 32-point lead, 45-13, at the break.
For the game the Wolverines hit 53.1 percent (34-for-64) from the field while Johnson & Wales hit just 18.6 percent (11-for-59).
Jordyn Bowen made her first appearance of the season and played nine minutes and dished out one assist. Bowen, who has fought through injuries for much of her career, did not attempt a field goal.
"It's great to have her out there. You look at the process for her in the last year and she's had to overcome a lot," said Nixon. "It sure is great to see her healthy and to have her out on the court is just a bonus."
The Wolverines will play its next four games on the road beginning with a three-game trip that begins at NJIT next Thursday. They'll also play at Chicago State (Feb. 14) and at Ohio (Feb. 17) on the trip.
The final road game of the season will be Feb. 23 at North Dakota State prior to four straight home games to close out the season.
