SALT LAKE CITY — The University of Utah women’s basketball team delivered a commanding performance Tuesday night, defeating Boise State 91-58 behind a stellar showing from guard Lani White and a dominant second quarter that shifted momentum decisively in the Utes’ favor.
White Ignites Second-Quarter Surge
After a challenging opening period that saw both teams deadlocked, White emerged as the catalyst for Utah’s breakthrough. The guard erupted for seven points in each of the first two quarters, helping orchestrate a devastating 28-10 run in the second period that gave the Utes a commanding 22-point cushion heading into halftime.
White’s offensive clinic continued throughout the game as she finished with a game-high 23 points while shooting a perfect 5-for-5 from beyond the arc. Her sharpshooting accounted for more than a third of Utah’s 14 three-pointers on the evening. Beyond her scoring prowess, White contributed across the stat sheet with nine rebounds and six assists, showcasing her all-around impact.
Balanced Attack and Defensive Dominance
The Utes received significant contributions from multiple sources in their seventh victory of the season. Freshman starter LA Sneed continued her impressive early-season form with 17 points and four assists, connecting on four triples herself. Veteran forward Chyra Evans added 15 points, eight rebounds, and three assists to round out a balanced offensive effort.
Perhaps most impressive was Utah’s dominance on the glass and in the paint. The Utes controlled the boards with a staggering 56-28 rebounding advantage, nearly cracking the program’s all-time top 10 for rebounds in a single game. Their interior presence translated into a 40-12 scoring edge in the paint, effectively neutralizing Boise State’s attempts at the rim.
University of Utah Athletics head coach Gavin Petersen’s squad improved to 7-3 on the season with the victory, demonstrating significant growth in their frontcourt play.
Broncos Battle Despite Loss
Boise State entered the contest with an 8-2 record but couldn’t overcome Utah’s second-quarter explosion. The Broncos found success from long range early, knocking down five three-pointers in the opening quarter to stay competitive. They finished with 12 triples on the night, led by Mya Hansen and Natalie Pasco, who combined for eight makes from deep.
Hansen paced Boise State with 13 points and five assists in the losing effort, but the Broncos’ inability to establish an inside presence proved costly against Utah’s size advantage.
Injury Concern for Utes
The only concern for Utah came late in the first half when veteran guard Maty Wilke suffered a shoulder injury. Wilke attempted to play through the discomfort at the start of the second half but ultimately checked out and retreated to the locker room for the remainder of the game.
Coach Petersen acknowledged after the game that he wasn’t certain about the full extent of Wilke’s injury but expressed optimism about her availability for Sunday’s home matchup against Northwestern.
Looking Ahead
Utah will look to build on this momentum when they host Northwestern on Sunday at the Jon M. Huntsman Center. The Utes have demonstrated their ability to dominate through balanced scoring, defensive intensity, and rebounding prowess, qualities that will serve them well as they navigate the remainder of their schedule.
For Boise State, the loss drops them to 8-2 as they head back to Idaho to regroup before their next contest.
