AF downed by Utah in basketball conference home opener

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U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. (AFPN) --  Unable to overcome a 54 percent shooting effort by the Utes, the Air Force Academy women’s basketball team fell, 97-47, to visiting University of Utah here Jan. 20. With the loss, the Falcons fall to 0-2 in the Mountain West Conference (5-10 overall), while the Utes (14-4 overall) remain undefeated in conference play at 3-0.

Both teams got out to a sluggish start, with the Utes leading 6-2 at the first timeout; however, Utah began to get things going offensively, shooting nearly 45 percent from the field and 90 percent from the foul line in the opening period.

Meanwhile, the Falcons struggled, missing their first nine field goal attempts before Briana Thomas hit a jumper at the 12:50 mark. Utah’s defensive pressure held Air Force to just five field goals in the half, as the Utes rolled to a 43-19 advantage at the break.

The second half was no better for the Falcons, who saw Utah shoot a blistering 21-of-32 from the field. The Utes also converted on four three-point plays, as they simply continued to extend their lead throughout the half. Air Force’s largest deficit in the game reached 52 points in the final minute of the game before Brittany Dahlstrom hit a jumper to make the final score 97-47.

Besides shooting just over 29 percent during the game, Air Force was also forced into committing 21 turnovers, with Utah scoring 26 points off the Falcons’ miscues.

The 50-point defeat was the largest for the Falcons since the 2000-2001 season when Utah defeated Air Force 92-42 in Salt Lake City. The Utes’ 97 points were also the most allowed by an Air Force team since 1998-1999 when Colorado State University scored 97 points in two contests.

Alecia Steele was the lone Falcon to score in double digits, finishing with 11 points and seven rebounds. Ellen Jaeschke came off the bench to add 8 points in just 10 minutes, while no other Air Force player scored more than 4 points. Jacki Novak was also solid on the boards, grabbing seven rebounds, including five on the offensive glass. Meanwhile, Jennifer Roesch dished out a team-high four assists while adding 3 points, four rebounds and a block.

The Falcons remain at home this weekend where they take on Brigham Young University on Jan. 22.