SAN ANTONIO — Utah Valley University ran into top overall seed Stanford University in the opening round of the 2021 NCAA Tournament, an 87-44 win for the Cardinal. It was the first NCAA Tournament appearance for the Wolverines, who were led by Josie Williams' 18 points.

"Stanford is the number one overall seed for a reason. They're very talented and extremely well coached, so credit to them and good luck to them," said head coach Dan Nielson, after the completion of his second season at UVU. "As far as my group, I couldn't be more proud. Proud of the way we responded, especially in the second half. I thought we did a better job defensively."

Stanford (26-2) made 15 3-pointers, 12 of which came in the first half, and seven of those were in the opening quarter when the Cardinal were able to build a 29-9 lead. The team made 7-of-11 from three in the first quarter en route to its 15th straight win.

Anna Wilson's second three — and Stanford's 10th — made it 38-11 early in the second quarter. Kiana Williams was 5-for-8 from three and had 17 points at the half, she finished with 20 points in just 23 minutes of play. Utah Valley trailed 53-20 at the break. Williams hit her sixth trey right out of halftime, on a night she became Stanford's all-time leader in 3-pointers made, passing Candice Wiggins.
 
UVU's Williams scored 11 of her 18 points in the second half and eight of those in the fourth quarter. Maria Carvalho finished with six points and pulled down eight rebounds for the Wolverines while also dishing out four assists. Stanford had four players score in double figures with Lacie Hull finishing with 12 and Cameron Brink and Hannah Jump adding 10 each.
 
"It's all about making progress and getting better and I think we did that this year. This is a great experience and it's motivation to try and get back here and perform better. I wouldn't trade this experience (for the team) for anything," said Nielson.
 
Utah Valley finishes the season at 13-7 and had its most successful Western Athletic Conference season to date. The Wolverines also had four All-WAC performers with Carvalho and Williams both named to the first team.