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OREM, Utah—Utah Valley University women's basketball travels to Missoula, Mont. to compete in the 34th Annual Lady Griz Holiday Classic hosted by Montana University.
 
Utah Valley was invited alongside Austin Peay and St. Louis to participate in the annual tournament presented by Holiday Inn Missoula Downtown. UVU is scheduled to see Montana on Friday evening, after the Lady Govs (2-8) and the Billikens (4-5) meet in the 5:30 p.m. game at Dahlberg Arena.
 
Utah Valley seeks its first road win at the tournament (0-4) and enters the tournament after a loss against Idaho State 68-67, in which the Wolverines lead for the entire contest until the final seconds. Rhaiah Spooner-Knight leads UVU with 14.7 points per game and is shooting 53.2 percent on the season. Karlee Norris leads on the boards with 8.4 per game. Freshman Mariah Seals is second in scoring averaging 11.5 points per game, while also leading the team in three pointers made with 18 and assists with 36 this season.
 
"Well, it's finals week, so I hope to see some good grades from the girls. It's an interesting week and every team across the country goes through it. It's a balance but we have to give them time to study and to be successful academically, but obviously we need to progress on the court as well," head coach Cathy Nixon. "Looking forward to the tournament, this is a great chance to go to a difficult place to play. Montana is very good and they are very good at home and we have back-to-back games, against either Austin Peay or St. Louis. These are two tough games for us, but it is a chance for us to refine some things, and try and gain and maintain some momentum going into the Christmas break."
 
The Wolverines (5-6) will first take on the Lady Griz (5-4) on Friday Dec. 19 at 7:30 p.m. MT. This will be the second time the Wolverines will meet the Lady Griz, the last meeting at the 2010 Lady Griz Holiday Classic with a Montana win, 53-75. Montana boasts a three game win streak after an overtime victory against Seattle on Wednesday. Kellie Rubel leads the Lady Griz with 12.2 points per game, while Kayleigh Valley is averaging 5.0 boards per game.
 
If the Wolverines sees APSU in Saturday's contest, it would be the second meeting between the schools. Austin Peay claimed the last contest with a 73-69 victory, Nov. 20, 2010 as part of the Preseason Women's NIT Consolation Round at Lamar. The Lady Govs are seeking their first road win at the Holiday Classic, which marks the start of a 30 day road trip. They enter the tournament following a 91-68 loss to Western Kentucky on Tuesday night. Tiasha Gray leads the Lady Govs and ranks in the top 25 in the nation with 21.3 points per game (No. 22) assists (6.2 apg, No. 13), and steals (3.8 spg, No. 5). Teammate Tearra Banks leads APSU on the boards with 6.3 per game.
 
If Utah Valley takes on St. Louis on Saturday, it would be the first meeting between the two schools. St. Louis enters the tournament from a loss against Indiana State 68-58 on Sunday. Sadie Stipanovich paces the Billikens with 11.9 points per game, while Denish Womack tears down 5.7 boards per game.
 
Following the contest against Montana, Utah Valley will conclude the Lady Griz Holiday Classic either playing for the crown or third place against Austin Peay or St. Louis. The Saturday games are scheduled at 5:30 p.m. or 7:30 p.m. MT. Live stats and a live video link to the tournament can be found on WolverineGreen.com.