The BYU women’s basketball team beat the Utah Valley University Wolverines 62-78 in its’ first game of the season.
“I think naturally we’re an aggressive team,” Makenzi Pulsipher said. “We’re a fast-break team. We like to push it. We like to pressure.”
The Wolverines started off strong and ended the first quarter ahead 16-15. However the Cougars picked up their momentum and ended the second quarter 25-36. The Cougars continued to remain ahead with 42-62 at the end of the third quarter and ultimately won the game at 62-78.
Starters for the Cougars were guards Kylie Maeda, Lexi Rydalch, Makenzi Pulsipher and forwards Kalani Purcell and Micaelee Orton.
UVU played strong and were close comparisons in terms of statistics with BYU. What hurt them was their lack of three-pointers attempted and executed. BYU made nine out of 20 3-pointers. UVU made only three out of 20 3-point shots.
Pulsipher lead the team with six made three-point field goals. She also set a new career record and lead the team with 27 points made in tonight’s game.
“She’s playing with a lot of confidence,” head coach Jeff Judkins said. “She makes a big difference. She’s my best defender and best shooter on the team right now. She’s really thinking the game and moving smart.”
Even freshmen players Jasmine Moody and MaCayla Hanks were able to get some playing time. Moody contributed a total of eight points for the Cougars from scoring three field goals and making two free throws. She played a total of 14 minutes in tonight’s game.
The Cougars will play against Oklahoma on Thursday, Nov. 19 at Oklahoma. Their next home game will be held in the Marriott Center against Utah State on Tuesday, Nov. 24.