The USU ladies’ first tune-up game before the regular season began was an exhibition game on Friday night at the Dee Glen Smith Spectrum in Logan, Utah. The Aggies women’s basketball team defeated Westminster 94-70. Utah State Head Coach Wesley Brooks helped the team keep improving over the night. Changes during the game showed the team scrambling for the ball and strong defense.
They struggled from beyond the arc but moved the ball so well under the hoop that it didn’t matter much. Utah State was aggressive, swatting at the ball and forcing 34 turnovers on the night. The game didn’t go entirely the Aggie way as the score went up and down, but changes gave the win to USU.
USU Mirrors a High-Scoring Start
After a high-scoring opening quarter in which neither team took control of the contest, an Aggie avalanche ensued in the second quarter. Utah State held Westminster scoreless for over eight-and-a-half minutes and used the defensive momentum to go on a 15-0 run en route to take a 39-30 lead into halftime. The Aggies shot 47.1% from the field in the second quarter while holding the Griffins to 12.5% on 1-of-8 shooting. Utah State forced 15 total turnovers in the first half, while freshman Guard Elise Livingston led USU in the opening half with nine points of 4-of-5 shooting, including 1-of-2 from behind the arc.
Utah State maintained its defensive intensity in the second half, forcing another 19 turnovers from the Griffins. The Aggies scored 40 points off 34 turnovers for the entire game, winning the battle over fastbreak points, 22-5. With the defense routinely forcing turnovers, USU built runs of 9-2, 11-2, and 8-2 over the final 20 minutes to steadily increase their lead. Utah State ended the game with another defensive takeover, holding Westminster without a field goal over the final 6:57 on their way to the 94-70 win.
High Scorers Of the Game
Five Aggies scored double digits as senior Guard Cheyenne Stubbs led the way with 21 points while shooting 8-of-13 from the field. Junior Guard Mia Tarver and freshman Guard Denae Skelton finished with 14 points, while Livingston followed close behind with 13 points. Junior Guard Jamisyn Heaton was the final Aggie in double figures, finishing with 12 points. Heaton also led USU with seven rebounds, while Tarver finished second on the team with five. Utah State also recorded 21 assists, the highest assist total in a game for the Aggies since recording 24 against Fresno State in March of 2022.
Defensively, sophomore Forward Gracie Johnson again patrolled the paint, recording a team-high five blocks and two steals on the night. The Aggies recorded 18 steals as a team, which would be tied for the highest by USU since recording 21 steals against Utah Valley in 2014. Stubbs, Skelton, and Heaton finished with three steals to lead USU.
Percentages and What’s Next
Utah State shot 36-of-83 (.434) from the field and 8-of-44 (.182) from three-point range but held the Griffins to only 23-of-69 (.333) shooting and 9-of-27 (.333) from deep. USU’s 44 three-point attempts would also shatter the previous program record of 34 against both Arkansas State and Southeastern Louisiana in 2021. The Aggies will officially open the season at home against Kansas City at the Dee Glen Smith Spectrum on Monday, Nov. 4, at 6 p.m.
For More Great Content
Craving top-tier content that covers it all? From electrifying sports highlights and insider entertainment news to expert gaming tips and sharp betting advice, we’ve got you covered. Dive into our curated articles to stay ahead of the game with the latest sports action, uncover the hottest trends in entertainment, and get the lowdown on gaming strategies that could level up your play. Plus, our betting advice will sharpen your edge and boost your chances of winning big.
Whether you’re looking to stay updated or gain a competitive edge, our content is your go-to source for all things exciting and relevant. Don’t miss out—explore now and power up your knowledge! Follow us on Twitter/X @TotalApexSports to stay informed.
