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The No. 20 Utah Utes defeated the Washington Huskies 83-65 Friday evening.
Utah's 83 points is the most points scored by an opponent in Alaska Airlines Arena this season. The Utes had three score in double figures and were led by Alissa Pili who had 31 points. Jenna Johnson also posted impressive numbers with a season high of 19.
Utah is now 16-6 overall on the season and 6-4 in Pac-12 play.
GAME SUMMARY
Utah put together a 7-0 run to a six point lead just five minutes into the game. Washington surged and tied the game up with just over two minutes in the first quarter. The Utes squeezed out a 17-15 lead at the end of the first quarter. In the second quarter, the Utes held the Huskies to a three minute scoring drought and capitalized on it with an 8-0 run. Utah maintained for a 35-26 lead at the half.
Utah came out of halftime picking up some momentum thanks to an 8-0 run for the Utes that was sparked by a three from Johnson. The Huskies answered with a 10-0 run that forced the Utes into a three minute scoring drought. Kennady McQueen ended the drought on a fast break layup. McQueen's layup gave Utah a 55-48 lead going into the final quarter of play.
The Utes held the Huskies to just one field goal in the first four minutes of the fourth quarter. Utah outscored Washington 10-3 during that stretch. Utah went on to finish with an 83-65 win.
LEADERS
Utah had three Utes score in double figures and were led by Pili's 31 points. This was Pili's fourth 30-point game this season. Johnson went 9-11 from the field for her season high 19 points. Matyson Wilke got her first start as a Ute and put up 10 points.
McQueen flirted with a triple-double with nine points, nine assists and seven rebounds. Ines Vieira and Wilke each added six assists to the Utes offensive efforts.
COMPARISON
Utah ended the game shooting 64.7 percent from the field while Washington shot 40.7 percent. Utah knocked down nine from beyond the arc for 45 percent while UW hit seven from deep for 31.8 percent. The Huskies shot 83.3 percent from the line while the Utes shot 72.7 percent. Utah outrebounded Washington 31-23.
Utah dominated in the paint posting 38 points while Washington only had 28.
UP NEXT
The Utes will head to Washington State Sunday, Feb. 4 befoe returning to the Huntsman Center for a rematch with Oregon State Feb. 9 and Oregon Feb. 11.
FOLLOW THE UTES
Fans can follow along on social media (Twitter: @UtahWBB | Instagram: @UtahWBB | Facebook: Facebook.com/UtahWBB).