Utah's Kim Smith will likely become the Mountain West Conference's career scoring leader tonight.
The senior needs just 10 points in the 25th-ranked Utes' game at Colorado State to surpass former BYU star Erin Thorn on the scoring chart. Thorn, who played for the Cougars from 1999-2003, finished her career with 2,061 points.
Accuracy has marked Smith's approach to the record. After opening conference play with 8-of-24 shooting over losses to New Mexico and BYU, the three-time league MVP has rediscovered her touch.
"I've been in the gym a lot trying to fix my shot and changing some things," Smith said. "I've been working on it hard."
The extra work is paying off.
Smith has shot 60 percent from the floor (77-of-116) since the rough start. Over Utah's past two games, she's made 18-of-23 attempts.
"She's a kid who will always keep working to get that touch and she has," said head coach Elaine Elliott. "She's put in the time."
The Utes have benefitted greatly. They've won eight of their past nine games while climbing back into title contention.
"We're just trying to play hard with a real enthusiasm for the game," said Elliott.
Utah (17-5, 8-3) visits Colorado State (8-13, 2-8) in a second-place tie with New Mexico — two games back of frontrunning BYU.
After taking on the Rams, the Utes visit Air Force on Saturday. They'll return home to face UNLV (Feb. 22) and TCU (March 2) before concluding league play March 4 at Wyoming.
WEBER STATE (12-10, 6-3) AT EASTERN WASHINGTON (9-12, 3-5): The Wildcats hit the road for a game with the Eagles. The trip comes on the heels of a 65-53 first-place setback to Northern Arizona Saturday in Ogden.
Mountain West Conference career scoring leaders
1. Erin Thorn, BYU (1999-2003) 2,061
2. KIM SMITH, UTAH (2002-present) 2,052
3. Constance Jinks, UNLV (1999-2003) 1,818
4. Jordan Adams, New Mexico (1999-2003) 1,798
5. Linda Frohlich, UNLV (1999-2002) 1,698