It's tough to look at Utah's 86-65 win over Arizona State and not think about what could have been if the Lobos had managed a better run through the Mountain West Conference Tournament.
The Utes got the best draw by virtue of winning the conference tournament title and advance to the Sweet 16 with wins over Middle Tennessee and the Sun Devils.
Utah earned the big win over Arizona State two hours away from its home court in Tempe.
The Utes rallied from a 15 second-half deficit to notch a blowout.
Senior Kim Smith and Shona Thorburn stepped up when it counted. Smith finished with 25 points and nine rebounds. Thorburn nearly earned her second career triple double with 24 points, 11 assists and nine rebounds. Fellow senior Julie Larsen added 19 points.
"It's just a testament to our team that we keep believing in ourselves and just keep on battling back," Smith said.
Utah contained Arizona State's top scoring force, center Kristen Kovesdy, limiting her to 11 points and four rebounds.
Center Amy Denson picked up the slack , adding 14 points, and forward Emily Westerberg added 11, but it wasn't enough to overcome a late Utah run.
So how do you think Lobo fans will respond to seeing the Utes in The Pit?
What about Baylor, the team that knocked out the Lobos?
Do the Utes and Lady Bears deserve cheers or jeers?
Sound off in the comments section.

Posted by ilimon at 09:39 PM | Permalink