January 06, 2013

Cardinal contains the Utes

The Utes kept it close for 30 minutes, but the Cardinal finally pulled ahead to a double-digit lead and a 70-56 victory.

Good Cardinal defense slowed down the Utes' usual big scorers, Michelle Plouffe and Taryn Wicijowski, and good Utes defense slowed down Chiney, but other players stepped up for both teams.

Sara leads the way

Sara was terrific today. She played for 31 minutes, scored 18 points and dished out four assists — all personal bests. Her scoring included three of five from beyond the arc. She also contributed two steals and two rebounds to the Cardinal's strong defense.

Amber had another great game. She scored 16 points and was unrelenting on defense, with six rebounds, a steal and much more that doesn't show up in the stats.

Chiney's streak of double-doubles was snapped today, but she was still the Cardinal's top scorer with 20 points. She also tallied six rebounds, five assists, two blocks and two steals!

Jos was strong on offense — 12 points, including two of four three-pointers, and four assists — and on defense — six rebounds, two blocks and three steals.

Jasmine had another good game, as she did in Boulder. Although she tallied just two points, she did a fine job of leading the offense at the point for 13 minutes and was a pesky defender.

Toni did not play today. She may have suffered a slight injury in the Colorado game. Today's AP report says, "... she was held out as a precaution." She has no evident injury and was well enough to lead the Cardinal high fives.

Here are game reports and commentary:

The box score and play-by-play,

A gallery of photos by Dave Cortesi,

And photos by Rick Bowmer (Associated Press):

Amber takes it to the basket
Chiney puts up a contested shot
Amber reaches for a rebound
Chiney drives around the defense
Sara puts it into high gear
Chiney is so fouled

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