Freshman guard Gianna Kneepkens scored 21 points, including the final seven for the Utah women’s basketball team in overtime, as the Utes beat Cal 80-75 on Sunday in Berkeley, Calif.
Kennady McQueen had 18 points, and Dasia Young added 13 for the Utes (15-8, 6-5 Pac-12), who have won five of their past six games.
The Golden Bears came out of the game hot as they scored the first 11 points and held the Utes scoreless over the first 41/2 minutes. Maka Jackson got the Utes going as she made a 3-pointer. After her 3, Utah got the lead down to eight, 15-7, after pair of free throws by Jackson. After the first quarter of play, Cal continued to shoot the ball well and held an 11-point lead, 22-11.
The Utes heated up in the second quarter, starting with a 19-0 run. Trailing by 11, Dru Gylten found Young for 3, marking the 500th career assist of Gylten’s career. Kennady McQueen scored five straight points during the run, putting the Utes down three, 22-19. Young continued to attack and put the Utes ahead with a layup. The Utes continued to battle and grew the lead, and another layup by Young put Utah ahead by seven, 32-25. The game remained close, and Utah went into halftime, leading 35-30.
“What a gritty win for us,” said Utah coach Lynne Roberts. “Cal did a really great job competing today — they’re dangerous. We came out a little flat, looked tired, but had that 24-8 second quarter and held it down from there. Our defense in overtime was fantastic. We needed this win, and I’m extremely proud of our players for finding a way on the road.”
The lead went back-and-forth in the fourth quarter and overtime.
Dalayah Daniels led Cal with 17 points, Evelien Lutje Schipolt scored 16, Jayda Curry had 15 and Leilani McIntosh added 12 for Cal (10-8, 1-6 Pac 12).
With 1:30 left in OT, Kneepkens hit her only 3-pointer of the game, putting Utah ahead 76-75. Utah picked up the defense against the Bears and held them scoreless the remainder of the game, and Kneepkens went four-for-four from the line to seal the 80-75 win for the Utes.
The Utes are scheduled to visit USC on Friday and UCLA next Sunday.
