OREM, Utah — After defeating Weber State for a win in its season opener, the Utah Valley University women's basketball team resumes action on Tuesday at BYU in the Crosstown Clash between the two universities. The Wolverines will also play at St. Thomas on Saturday in St. Paul, Minnesota.
Tuesday's tip is set for 7 p.m. MT and will air live on Big 12 Now/ESPN+. The game is the second straight against in-state schools as four of the Wolverines' first eight contests are against other Utah programs.
LAST TIME OUT
The Wolverines outlasted Weber State University, 56-55, to open the 2023-24 season on Nov. 6 in the UCCU Center. Ally Criddle led three players in double figures with 12 points, but it was the Wolverine defense that turned the tide on opening night. Kylee Mabry came off the bench and tied a school record with seven steals while Criddle and Saige Gibb had three each. The team recorded 20 steals on the night, a program record against another NCAA Division I program.
FAMILIAR FOES
UVU and BYU have many ties between the two programs outside of transfers Tahlia White and Amanda Barcello now wearing green. Utah Valley head coach Dan Nielson was the associate head coach for BYU before taking over in Orem in 2018. Two of his assistants, Michael Shreeve and Xojian Harry, both coached at BYU, and Harry also played there from 2011-15. There's also another coaching connection with Adam Wardenburg (the associate head coach for the Wolverines) and his dad, John (an assistant at BYU). Also on staff at BYU is former UVU assistant Morgan Bailey.
THE All-TIME SERIES
BYU has won all 10 prior meetings between the neighboring programs and holds a 6-0 record in home games. The last meeting was on Dec. 14, 2019, a 71-57 BYU win in Provo.
ABOUT THE OPPOSITION
BYU is 2-0 on the young season with wins at Montana State and home against Weber State. Preseason All-Big 12 selection Lauren Gustin leads the team with averages of 16.5 points and 11.5 rebounds over the first two games while freshman Kailey Woolston is second on the team with 14.5 per contest.
