In the past, Gavin Petersen has tried to limit his intensity and excitement for his team’s biggest rivalry.
“It’s one game,” he’d tell himself and his players.
But this year, Petersen knows, the meeting between the Utah women’s basketball team and the BYU Cougars means more.
“Now it’s not just one game,” the Ute coach said. “It actually means something with conference standings.”
Utah and BYU will face off as members of the Big 12 Conference on Saturday afternoon in Provo with plenty on the line — from local bragging rights to positioning down the road in the conference tournament.
“I think rivalry games are the best,” said Utah guard Gianna Kneepkens, who is averaging 18.1 points per game for the 14-5 Utes. “Lots of people come out for them. They’re always good games. Like we saw with our men’s teams last weekend, it’s a great environment. Playing high-level basketball against a team that’s 40 minutes away is going to be a lot of fun. I’m looking forward to it.”
The Cougars are 10-8 and just 1-6 in conference play. But star freshman Delany Gibb (16.1 points per game) should have BYU ready for a matchup in the Marriott Center.
“In big rivalry games, you get that team’s best shot and we’re going to bring the same,” Utah forward Jenna Johnson said. “That’s what I’m looking forward to, competing hard and knowing we’re going to get BYU’s best.”
Kennady McQueen update
The Utes will likely be missing one key piece when they take the court in Provo.
Guard Kennady McQueen is making progress as she returns from a high ankle sprain, but isn’t expected to be ready to play this weekend.
“She’s working closer and closer to returning to the court,” Petersen said earlier this week.
(Trent Nelson | The Salt Lake Tribune) Utah Utes guard Kennady McQueen (24) as Utah hosts Arizona State, NCAA basketball in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Dec. 21, 2024.
The coach hoped to have McQueen doing some contact and five-on-five work in practice ahead of the game.
“But at the end of the day, we’re not going to push her,” Petersen said. “There’s so much season left. I know she wants to play this weekend, being a kid from Utah. But sometimes you have to protect the players from themselves. But she’s just been working really hard to get back. I’m just proud of the way she’s attacked it. When she’s ready she’s ready, but it’s getting closer.”
How to watch
Utah vs. BYU women’s basketball
Saturday, 2:30 p.m.
Marriott Center in Provo, Utah
TV/Streaming: ESPNU
