Utah Tech women's basketball came from behind and dominated the second half to drive the Trailblazers to a 69-65 victory over Weber State on Saturday afternoon.
What head coach JD Gustin said: This win is for Macie. To lose a player like her for the year is significant. But our players rallied around her and found a way. To play as poorly as we did on the road and still win is a credit to our senior leadership and will hopefully continue to help with our overall confidence as a team.
How it happened: Weber State was able to get a narrow lead on Utah Tech in the first quarter and the Trailblazers chipped away to keep it within two as the quarter ended with a 17-15 score.
The Trailblazers weren't able to get the lead in the second quarter thanks to a four minute scoring drought where the Wildcats went on a 9-0 run. Utah Tech's drought was broken by a pair of free throws by Breaunna Gillen. As the half wound down, UT trailed 33-24.
Utah Tech came into the second half with a new found gusto. The Trailblazers went on a 10-0 run and later pushed it to a 13-2 run. The Wildcat offense broke down as Utah Tech outscored WSU 15-4 in the third quarter and Utah Tecch managed the 39-37 lead going into the final quarter of play.
To start the fourth quarter and capture the momentum in favor of the Trailblazers, Emily Isaacson sunk a three pointer from the corner and drew the foul to execute a four point play. Utah Tech picked up the tempo and went on a 7-0 run over one minute of play.
The Trailblazers held the Wildcats to a pair of free throws for over three minutes in the fourth quarter. UT ended the fourth quarter scoring 30 points.
Utah Tech ended the game with the 69-65 victory over Weber State.
Leaders: Utah Tech was led by Gillen who posted 19 points, 11 of which came from the free throw line. Isaacson also posted double figures with 16 points.
Averi Papa returned to action for UT and posted an impressive nine boards. Gillen tied for the game high with nine boards as well.
Comparison: Utah Tech ended the game shooting 33.9 percent from the field,15.4 percent from the three and 61 percent from the free throw line. UT totaled 37 rebounds, eights assists, 17 steals and 14 turnovers.
The Trailblazers scored 25 points off of turnovers.
Weber State shot 40.7 percent from the field, 20 percent from the three and 76.2 percent from the free throw line. The Wildcats totaled 43 rebounds, 11 assists, seven steals and 26 turnovers.
Notes to Know: Utah Tech is now 7-2 on the season and is on a four-game winning streak.
Next Up: The Trailblazers will head to the Holiday Hoops Classic in Las Vegas, Nev. to take on Jacksonville State and Lindenwood before the holiday break.
