UVU Postgame Press Conference

LAS VEGAS—Mariah Seals' game-tying layup with three seconds to play just rimmed out as Seattle U escaped with a 64-62 win in the quarterfinals of the Western Athletic Conference Tournament Wednesday at Orleans Arena.

"That one hurt," said Utah Valley head coach Cathy Nixon. "I really felt like we put together a game plan and in every way had the opportunities that we had hoped for and honestly, it came down to the free throw line. I'm really proud of our team. Each player came in and did thier part. Other than falling just falling three points short, it was what I had hoped for. I'm nothing but proud of our players."
 
Trailing by seven points, 63-56, with 41 seconds to play, Utah Valley hits a pair of free throws and then  forced the Redhawks into a pair of turnovers on two straight inbounds plays. The Wolverines took advantage, scoring on both opportunities to cut the SU lead to just one point, 63-62 with 12 seconds remaining.
 
Taylor Gordon fouled Seattle U's Makenna Clark to send the senior guard to the free throw line. Clark went 1-for-2 at the line, giving the Wolverines a chance to tie or win the game. Seals' layup would just rim out as the Redhawks took the win.
 
Rhaianna Spooner-Knight led the Wolverines with a team-high 14 points. The sophomore guard hit 6-of-16 shots from the field and knocked down 2-of-2 shots at the charity stripe. She also tallied three rebounds, three steals and a pair of assists.
 
Sam Loggins recorded her second double-double of the season with 12 points and 11 rebounds. Rebecca MaWhinney also registered her second double-double of the season with 11 points and 10 rebounds.
 
Karlee Norris also reached double digits with 12 points. Norris went a perfect 6-for-6 from the field. Georgia Agnew and Seals each recorded six points on the day. Agnew also dished out six assists.
 
Utah Valley's season comes to an end with the loss as the Wolverines finish the year with a 11-19 overall record. The team finished WAC play with a 5-10 mark. Seattle U advances to the WAC Tournament semifinals where it will face top-seeded New Mexico State.
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