Utah women’s basketball secures win at Arizona in dominant fashion

TUCSON, Ariz. — The Utah women’s basketball team showcased a dominant performance Tuesday afternoon, defeating Arizona 69-48 at McKale Memorial Center.

The win marked the Utah’s first victory in Tucson since 2018, propelled by a balanced offensive effort and a stifling defensive performance.

Gianna Kneepkens led the charge for Utah with 18 points on 6-of-9 shooting, including four 3-pointers, while adding nine rebounds. Reese Ross was a force on the boards, pulling down a season-high 11 rebounds, while Ines Vieira orchestrated the offense with a season-high 11 assists.

Utah opened the contest with a strong run and closed the first quarter on a high note. Kneepkens drained a 3-pointer with 90 seconds left, and Maty Wilke followed with another triple, giving Utah a 16-9 lead.

Arizona briefly rallied in the second quarter with a 6-0 run to cut into the deficit, but Utah responded right back. Sparked by Ross’ free throws, the Utes went on an 8-0 run, capped by 3-pointers from Kneepkens and Kennady McQueen.

Utah’s defense clamped down, holding Arizona to one field goal in the final four minutes of the half to enter the break with a 12-point lead.

Kneepkens came out firing in the second half, scoring 5 points in the first two possessions. Utah’s defense stifled Arizona, keeping the Wildcats scoreless for eight minutes in the third quarter.

While Arizona briefly gained momentum with three consecutive 3-pointers, McQueen’s late triple ensured the Utes maintained a commanding 45-28 lead heading into the final quarter.

The fourth quarter was more of the same, as Utah controlled the tempo and coasted to a 69-48 victory.

Arizona’s offense was led by their 3-point shooting, as they connected on 44% from beyond the arc, with several timely shots in the second half to keep the game competitive.

However, the Wildcats struggled overall, converting only 1-of-4 free throws. Utah’s defensive intensity forced Arizona into tough looks and limited their production in the paint. Despite their struggles, Arizona’s brief scoring runs and ability to hit shots from deep tested Utah’s focus and defensive adaptability.

Tuesday’s win marked Utah’s first victory at McKale Memorial Center since 2018, when the Utes secured an 80-56 triumph. The Wildcats had protected their home court well in recent years, but Utah’s ability to execute on both ends of the floor allowed them to snap the six-year drought.

This victory improved Utah’s record to 11-2 overall and 2-0 in Big 12 play.

Vieira’s 11-assist performance was the first double-digit assist effort for a Ute since her career-high 14 against Alaska Anchorage in November 2023.

Utah will continue Big 12 play on Jan. 5 with a road game against Iowa State before returning to Salt Lake City to face Kansas State on Jan. 8.

Arizona, now 7-5, will host Central Florida on Jan. 4 as they look to rebound.