MOSCOW, Idaho – Idaho women's basketball fell to Utah Valley 66-59 on Saturday afternoon in the ICCU Arena. Hope Butera led the Vandals with 14 points and notched Idaho's first double-double of the season with 14 rebounds.
Butera and Amalie Langer both scored season-highs in today's loss. Butera scored in double-digits for the first time this season and in just five games, she became the fifth Vandal to lead in scoring. Butera's 14 rebounds also marked a season-high. Langer earned 12 points, going 3-9 from the field, 1-4 from three, and 5-6 from the free throw line. Before the game, Langer was just one of 13 active players that was 100% from the line, she is now 19-20 on the season.
The Wolverines came out hot in the first quarter, gaining the lead after a 7-0 scoring run. The run proved to be the difference maker as Utah Valley held the lead for the remainder of the game. Before the seven-score run, the Vandals were neck and neck with Utah Valley, exchanging the lead as each team scored. In the opening 10, both teams had their highest-scoring quarters. Utah Valley shot 73.3% (11-15) from the floor, 100% (2-2) from three, and 100% from the free throw line. Despite shooting some of their best percentages, 50% (6-12) from both the field and three point (3-6), the Vandals trailed by seven at the end of the quarter.
The Vandal defense stepped up in the second quarter to decrease Utah Valley's offensive success. The Wolverines went 58.3% (7-12) from the field, 40% (2-5) from three, and 33.3% (1-3) from the charity line. The physicality increased in this quarter as the Vandals were sent to the line four times, going 6-8.
At half, the highest scorers on the court had 10 points apiece with Langer representing the Vandals and Kaylee Byon for the Wolverines. Idaho drew 12 fouls to Utah Valley's six. The 10-point deficit could be attributed to Utah Valley's 13 points off turnovers as the Vandals gave up the ball 10 times.
Idaho rallied and attempted to climb back in the second half. The Vandals outscored Utah Valley 14-13 in the third quarter, despite trailing by 15 points before the media timeout. Butera stepped up, scoring six points shooting 2-3 from the field and 2-4 from the line. She also dominated the boards with five rebounds, four of which were offensive.
The Vandals continued to inch closer in the final 10, bringing the game within five points for the first time since the first quarter. Ashlyn Wallace found herself wide open with a chance from behind the arc and drained her second three-pointer to reignite the Vandal offense. Butera continued to own the paint, scoring four points off second chances. Idaho outscored the Wolverines 12-10, but their comeback fell short.
Idaho improved to 3-2 on the season and 1-2 at home. The Vandals shot 19-46 (41.3%) from the field, the best percentage since defeating Walla Walla on 11/6. Utah Valley shot above 40% from all areas, going 52.9% (27-51) from the field, 41.7% (5-12) from the arc, and 63.6% (7-11) from the line.
The Vandals hit the road to face Utah St. this Wednesday and then will return on Friday to host Texas A&M Commerce.
