SALT LAKE CITY — Utah women left nothing to chance Saturday night, especially with a potential first-round bye in next week's Big 12 Tournament on the line.
The Utes opened up the final game of the regular season on a 15-2 run, breaking Arizona's defense with several cuts to get open looks at the rim, to put some distance on the visitors early.
Arizona made a push in the second quarter, but Utah usurped its force — including a 24-13 third quarter — to build up a 26-point lead en route to a 81-67 win Saturday night, guaranteeing Utah (19-11, 10-8 Big 12) no lower than a ninth-place finish in the conference ahead of the conference tournament.
If Arizona State loses to Texas Tech Sunday, Utah will earn a first-round bye in Kansas City.
Utah senior Lani White led the team with 19 points, including four made 3-pointers, and five rebounds in her final game at the Huntsman Center. Fellow senior Maty Wilke added two 3-pointer en route to a 12 point finish after three years with the Utes.
The Utes shot 54% from the floor, making 11 3-pointers, but had most its success in the post, where Utah outscored Arizona 34-18 in the post to overwhelm a three-win team in conference play.
Arizona (12-17, 3-15 Big 12) shot well enough as a team (42%), but was mostly a two-woman show, with Sumayah Sugapong leading all scores with 31 points on six made 3-pointers. Fellow guard Noelani Cornfield added 20 points, nine assists and five rebounds in the loss.
The Wildcats were without their leading scorer, Mickayla Perdue, Saturday, after the veteran guard was a late scratch for the final road game.
This story will be updated.
