SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – The University of the Incarnate Word women's basketball team had its hands full with Utah on Friday night, suffering a 90-31 defeat at the Jon M. Huntsman Center.
 
HOW IT HAPPENED
 
The Cardinals (1-4) came out ice cold, shooting just 18.2 percent from the floor. In stark comparison, the Utes (4-1) shot 41.7 percent from the field and 50 percent from beyond the arc in the opening frame. Utah dominated the boards early, and used a 12-5 first-quarter rebounding edge to help build a 14-4 lead after 10 minutes of action.
 
UIW doubled its scoring output in the second quarter, but the Utes exploded for 27 points to secure a 41-12 advantage at the break.
 
The Cardinals continued to struggle offensively, but managed to dial back Utah's offensive output in the third. After 30 minutes of play, the Utes maintained a 57-22 lead over UIW.
 
Utah's deceleration was short-lived as the Utes punched the accelerator in the fourth and outscored the Cardinals by 24 points.
 
THE BREAKDOWN
 
UIW shot just 18.2 percent on the night, while missing all 7 attempts from three-point range. Utah shot 59.3 percent from the floor and 47.1 percent from deep.
 
The Utes won the battle of the boards, 50-24, and earned a 13-2 advantage on second chance points.
 
Utah dished out 22 assists, while the Cardinals managed just 2 on the night.
 
The Utes racked up a 10-0 edge on blocks, a 48-16 advantage on points in the paint, a 46-23 edge on bench points and a 17-6 advantage on points off turnovers.
 
UIW's lone bright spot came at the free throw line, where the Cardinals shot 84.6 percent from the charity stripe.
 
LEADERS
 
Liz Holter (9 points) and Gabbi Bowie (5 boards) led UIW.
 
Emily Potter (21 points), Megan Huff (8 rebounds) and Erika Bean (6 assists) paced Utah.
 
UP NEXT
 
The Cardinals have a quick turnaround as they battle Weber State at 3 p.m. tomorrow in Ogden, Utah.
 
STAY TUNED
 
UIW hosts UMASS at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 29 at the McDermott Center.
 
For the most up-to-date information on UIW Athletics visit uiwcardinals.com. Be sure to follow UIW Athletics on Twitter @UIWAthletics and like UIW Athletics on Facebook at UIW Athletics.