SALINA, Kansas — Utah Valley State College used a late 15-2 run to break open a tight one-point contest Thursday, and went on to post a 73-58 win over Wallace State, from Alabama, in the consolation bracket of the NJCAA Women's Basketball Championships.
The UVSC women, who lost a heartbreaking 92-86 double-overtime game Tuesday to Jefferson College, responded with a wire-to-wire victory over Wallace. The Wolverines jumped out to a quick 8-0 lead and never trailed. UVSC led by as many as 11 in the first half, but Wallace's Shante Johnson hit a three pointer at the buzzer to make it 30-22 at the half. The UVSC defense held the Alabama club to just 9-of-43 from the field (20 percent) for the half.
In the second period, UVSC opened with a 6-1 run to get the lead up to 13 at 36-23. At the 9:17 mark, after a pair of Bekka Carlson free throws, UVSC still held a nine-point lead at 49-40. Wallace staged a comeback, going on a 9-1 run to make it 50-49. Kestlee Nelson scored for UVSC with 6:50 to go, starting the Wolverines on the 15-2 streak that ended at the 2:30 mark with UVSC up 65-51. The Wolverines' largest lead of the contest came at 73-56 when Mickey Folsom scored with 40 seconds to go.
Folsom ended up as the leading scorer for UVSC with 15 points. Kristen Saliby continued to play well for UVSC, with 14 points and 10 rebounds. She has averaged 21 points a game over the past three contests. Ashleigh Chamberlain had 12 points and nine boards. Mariam Sy had another nice game off the bench, contributing 11 points, 12 rebounds and three blocks. Bekka Carlson added 10 points, giving the Wolverines five players in double figures.
Wallace State ended up shooting just 26 percent from the floor. UVSC shot 42 percent, and out-rebounded the Alabama Club 61-48.
The Wolverines will continue their effort with a consolation semifinal game against Southwest Tennessee today at 1 p.m.