USU women open MW tournament with win over Nevada

Funda Nakkasoglu scored a game-high 18 points and Antoina Robinson recorded her first career double-double as the Utah State women’s basketball team cruised past Nevada on Monday, 59-35.

The Wolf Pack had faced the Aggies twice already this year and lost both times, but this was the first time the two teams have met in the tournament.

Until the middle of the second quarter, the game was close and the lead did not exceed more than four points. But a Utah State run midway through the second quarter put the Aggies in control for good.

“They’re a physical group,” USU head coach Jerry Finkbeiner said. “And on our chalkboard … they said they’re a never say die group. So, we knew we had to play 40 minutes.”

Nakkasoglu — the leading scorer in the conference — knew the Wolf Pack would come ready to defend her, but gave big credit to her teammates’ smart offense and help when she was double-teamed.

“My teammates helped me a whole lot. They set screens for me, and they run the open lanes for me,” Nakkasolgu said. “I give all the credit to them and what they do.”

Of those teammates, Robinson overcame a bout with food poisoning Sunday to tally 11 points and a career-high 13 rebounds. Deja Mason also contributed five blocks, while Rachel Brewster chipped in 12 points.

The Aggies out-rebounded the Wolf Pack, 48-34, and shot 100 percent from the free-throw line in both the first and third quarters. The Aggies also had a field goal percentage that was nearly double that of Nevada.

Next up for Utah State is a rematch with second-seeded Fresno State . Finkbeiner said the last two meetings with the Lady Bulldogs were close enough for the Aggies to win, as USU had chances both times in the final minute — losing by a combined 10 points.

“We feel like if we can play with them for 35 (minutes), our key is just can we play for that last five, too,” Finkbeiner said.

Utah State’s game against Fresno State tips off at 7 p.m. Mountain Time.