Feb. 16, 2012

UVU Game Notes

SEATTLE, Wash. -- Utah Valley will begin its final road trip of the season Saturday when it steps out of league play for a 5 p.m. MT time matchup with Seattle University at SU's Connolly Center. The Redhawks operate as a Division-I Independent and have won their last two ballgames.

Last week, UVU (12-11, 4-2 GWC) trailed by five with only 27 seconds to play at home against conference rival NJIT. A quick three from Abbie Beutler followed by a missed free throw on the other end from the Highlanders gave the Wolverines the ball with just nine seconds remaining and a chance to tie. Whitney Jenkins got a good look from the baseline just before time expired, but the ball rattled in and out, giving the visitors a 48-46 victory.

The Wolverines rebounded Saturday against Chicago State, using a well-balanced offensive attack and a determined defensive effort to avenge a loss earlier in the season to the Cougars. Guards Jenkins, Jenna Johnson, and Alle Finch all scored in double figures while Sammie Jensen recorded her 13th double-double on the year in the 74-61 victory.

Jensen leads Utah Valley in both points and rebounds on the season by averaging a double-double of 14.5 ppg and 10.6 rpg. Jensen's 10.6 boards per night places her 16th in the nation and her 13 double-doubles also puts her tied for sixth. Behind her Johnson is next in the scoring column with an average of 8.0 ppg, while Jenkins and Erika Newbold are averaging 6.5 and 6.0 ppg respectively.

About Seattle U
Seattle University will enter the contest with a 14-9 overall record, which is already six more wins then they picked up a year ago when they finished 8-22. SU has won its last two games and three of its last four.

Kacie Sowell and Talisa Rhea and their identical 13.8-point per game averages lead the Redhawks on the season. Ashley Ward is third in scoring with 11.3 ppg, while Sowell leads the way in rebounding with 9.1 rpg and Rhea leads in assists with 5.5 apg.

The Redhawks are playing their final season as a Div. I Independent this season, as they will join the Western Athletic Conference (WAC) in July.

Saturday's contest will be just the second all-time meeting between the two clubs. The Wolverines lead the series 1-0 after a 10-point win in Orem last season.

Up Next for UVU
Utah Valley will stay on the road and travel to Texas for two Great West Conference games next week. The Wolverines will play at Houston Baptist on Feb. 23 and at Texas-Pan American on Feb. 25.