Aggies set to battle Wildcats in Women’s NIT
The Utah State Women’s basketball team has been waiting for this moment for a long time.
After losing in a semifinal match-up against the eventual-Western Athletic Conference champion Fresno State Bulldogs, the Aggies will make their first post-season appearance in almost 30 years as they take on the Arizona Wildcats in the first round of the Women’s National Invitational Tournament. The last time USU made a tournament was the 1981-82 season, years before any of the current players were even born.
“It’s really exciting and a huge step for our program,” said sophomore guard Jenna Johnson. “I don’t think more than half of my teammates have ever been in postseason play, so it’s just a new experience for all of us and I think it’s going to be a big step for us.”
Playing in the post-season continues a season which has already been historic for the Aggies. Their 17 wins this season ties the 1973 team for the most wins in a season, and the game on Thursday will be their 32nd of the season, also a school record.
Playing against Arizona is also somewhat of a novelty for the Aggies, as they have only met nine times, the last time being in 1986 when USU thumped the Wildcats 75-41. This years’ Arizona squad could potentially be considerably tougher, as they have a 21-11 record and won eight of their last 10 games.
“They are definitely a team that’s been playing really well all season, but especially as of late, winning 8 of their last 10,” said USU head coach Raegan Pebley. “They’re a team that’s shown a lot more commitment on the defense end during this run than they did earlier in the season.”
The Aggies are ready and excited, though, to face the challenge the Wildcats will bring.
“It’s going to be a good matchup and we’re excited about it,” said junior forward Ashlee Brown. “They push the ball, so our transition defense needs to be there and we need to push and execute and have fun. We’re out to win, so we just need to play together and play hard.”
The Aggies also get the chance to play at least one more game in the Spectrum, their home sweet home. The WNIT is set up so the various schools involved are chosen to host the games and USU was selected as a host, something they haven’t done since 1976.
“We love this gym,” Johnson said. “This is our place and just having that atmosphere will be such an advantage.”
Lastly, this game gives the Aggies, and especially the seniors, one more game before it’s time to hang up the sneakers.
“I think it’s awesome,” Pebley said. “It’s great for all of them as a team and it’s an opportunity for everyone to continue the season. For the seniors, is not only a continuation of their final season here at USU, but it’s really putting their thumbprint in impacting this program.”
Tip-off is set for 7 p.m. in the Spectrum. See page seven for full ticket information.
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