Utah Rolls Over Arkansas Round 1 March Madness

The Utah Utes (7th seed) easily handled the Arkansas Razorbacks (10th seed) 92-69 in the first round of the women’s March Madness.  Utah plays the winner of Texas (2nd seed) versus Fairfield (15th seed) match-up. 

Utah entered the game as the highest-scoring team in the Pac-12 (18th NCAA), averaging 76.0 points per game.  Offensively the Utes are led by freshman Gianna Kneepkens with 12.0 ppg.  This is Utah’s first appearance in the NCAA Tournament since 2011. 

Arkansas enters the tournament for the third straight year.  The Razorbacks enter the Dance with momentum, beating other bubble teams Missouri and Mississippi State to secure their seat.  Redshirt senior Amber Ramirez has been burning up the hardwood, averaging 15.1 points and 35.0 minutes per game. 

Utah controlled the game from the opening tip-off, taking a 44-27 lead into the locker room at the half.  The Ute’s offense shone brightly, converting 16-of-29 (55%) from the floor and 7-of-16 (50%) from distance. The Razorback averaged a paltry 30% from the floor and never saw sunlight from three-point land. 

Arkansas challenged in the third period, out-scoring Utah 25-24.  But the Utes slammed the hammer down in the final frame, taking home a 92-69 victory. 

Utah was led by Kennady McQueen with 20 points.  Kelsey Rees put up 11 points and pulled down 10 rebounds.  Dru Gylten amassed 11 assists, but also committed 6 turnovers.  The team converted 52% of field goals and 48% of three-point attempts.  The Utes controlled the boards, out-rebounding the Razorbacks 52-35. 

Three starting Razorback scored in double digits, Amber Ramirez (24 points), Samara Spence (18) and Makayla Daniels (18).  The team converted on 35% of field goal attempts and 17% of three-pointers.