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By ARNIE STAPLETON AP Sports Writer
DENVER (AP) -- Kim Smith scored a season-high 29 points and had 13 rebounds to lead No. 19 Utah to a 67-47 win over Air Force in the quarterfinals of the Mountain West Conference on Wednesday.
The Utes (22-6) struggled in the first half, especially from beyond the arc, but managed to take a 28-18 halftime lead over the Falcons (13-15) thanks to Smith, the four-time league player of the year. She had 13 points and 10 boards at the break.
Smith, who shared player of the year honors with BYU's Ambrosia Anderson this season, showed her athleticism by swishing a follow-up shot before her feet touched the floor after Ellen Jaeschke rejected a shot back into her arms in the first half.
Utah missed its next nine shots over a 6 1/2-minute stretch, however, and Air Force crept back to 20-18 before Smith ended the drought with a basket underneath.
Jessica Perry, who scored 13, added four quick points and Smith sank a jumper from the circle to give the Utes some breathing room at halftime.
The Utes iced the game with a 13-0 run that Smith capped with her second 3-pointer and two free throws, giving Utah a 47-25 lead at the 10-minute mark.
Jaeschke led Air Force with a career-high 20 points.
Sasha McKinnon, who sank all three of her 3-pointers, and Shona Thorburn each added nine points for Utah. Thorburn had 11 assists.
(Copyright 2006 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APTV-03-08-06 1410MST
