Defense dominates as Wolverine women topple Cal State Bakersfield
The Utah Valley University women used some stifling defense to get to 5-5 in conference play on the season with a 72-53 win over California State University Bakersfield on Saturday afternoon in the PE Building.
The Wolverines shot a scorching 73 percent from the field in the first quarter on 8-of-11 shooting but struggled controlling the ball, totaling seven turnovers in the quarter. Still, a 12-7 run to end the first gave UVU a 20-19 lead at the end of the quarter.
UVU started the second quarter on an 8-0 run en route to winning the period 16-4 to give the Wolverines a 36-23 halftime lead. The Roadrunners shot 1-of-13 in the quarter.
“We kind of kept them off balance a little bit, we took them out of their stuff a little bit,” said Head Coach Cathy Nixon. “We took them out of their main options and really controlled the tempo on both ends of the floor.”
The UVU defense held CSUB to 37 percent shooting on the night. On the offensive end, the Wolverines had six players in double digits. Patrice Toston led the team with a game-high 14 points. Georgia Agnew had 13, Mariah Seals 12, Deijah Blanks 11 and Rebecca MaWhinney and Sam Loggins had 10 points each. Loggins and MaWhinney were each one rebound shy of a double-double. UVU also won the rebounding battle, 34-22.
“If we move the ball, in my opinion, it’s impossible to guard all the options,” Nixon said.
Addi Walters led the Roadrunners with 12 points in the losing effort. Two-time WAC player of the week Batabe Zempare was held to only seven points and 12 rebounds.
I grew up on a farm in Burley, Idaho, but I’ve always had an intense love of sports. I’m studying journalism in an attempt to turn my love into a career. I’m a huge Utah Jazz, Tennessee Titans, and San Jose Sharks fan. If it’s a sport, I’ll watch it.