ST. GEORGE, Utah — Utah Valley women's basketball forced 32 turnovers and battled back multiple times but ultimately fell 65-54 at Utah Tech on Saturday afternoon at Burns Arena in the opening game of the Old Hammer Rivalry during the 2025–26 season.
The Wolverines (9-7, 2-3 WAC) turned in a strong defensive effort, recording 22 steals and holding the Trailblazers scoreless for extended stretches in each of the first three quarters. Utah Tech (6-8, 1-3 WAC) converted 11 3-pointers on the afternoon, using timely shooting down the stretch to secure the win.
Kylee Mabry led all scorers with 16 points for Utah Valley, scoring 14 in the second half as the Wolverines erased multiple deficits.
Amanda Barcello added 13 points and six steals, while
Saige Gibb also finished with six steals to anchor the defensive pressure.
Utah Valley overcame an early Utah Tech run after the Trailblazers opened the game with three 3-pointers. Barcello knocked down a triple for the Wolverines' first basket, and UVU's defense tightened late in the first quarter to slow the momentum.
The Wolverines turned up the pressure in the second quarter, holding Utah Tech without a field goal for nearly five minutes while piecing together an 8-0 run. Layups from Mabry and
Cambree Blackham, along with Barcello's second 3-pointer, pulled Utah Valley within one.
Halle Nelson provided a spark late in the half with five points, but Utah Tech closed the quarter on a short run to take a 32-25 lead into halftime.
Utah Valley continued to apply pressure in the third quarter, forcing 10 turnovers and limiting Utah Tech to just 2-of-7 shooting. An 11-0 run brought the Wolverines within one, highlighted by Mabry's spot-up 3-pointer and a driving layup. Mabry added another 3-pointer in the closing seconds to keep UVU within a point, 42-41, heading to the fourth.
The Wolverines took their first lead early in the final quarter on a Mabry layup and remained within one possession throughout the period.
Kaylee Headrick knocked down a key 3-pointer, and Barcello converted a pair of free throws to give Utah Valley a 50-48 advantage with 4:39 remaining. Utah Tech responded with timely free throws and a late 3-pointer to regain control in the final minutes.
Utah Valley will continue conference play with its first road trip to Texas to play UT Arlington on Saturday, Jan. 17. They will return home to the UCCU Center to host Southern Utah on Thursday, Jan. 22.
