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SEATTLE — Facing a 10-point deficit going into the fourth quarter, Gianna Kneepkens and Maye Toure changed everything.
Against a familiar opponent on the road, Utah women's basketball outscored Washington 27-7 in the final frame to upset the Huskies 67-57 in a comeback that included a 15-3 run over an eight-minute period.
And Utah had Kneepkens and Toure to thank for it all.
The two veteran players combined for 24 of the team's 27 fourth-quarter points to eventually pull away from Washington, who went on a scoring drought that included going 1-of-11 from the field.
Kneepkens finished the night with 14 points in the fourth quarter to lead the team with 24 points on 6-of-12 shooting, including 4-of-9 from 3-point range, but was instrumental down the stretch on 8-of-8 shooting from the free-throw line.
Toure scored 10 of her 12 points and four of her six rebounds in the fourth quarter to keep Washington from making a run. Her four rebounds proved pivotal down the stretch to stop a Washington team from second-chance opportunities.
The Huskies were led by Sayvia Sellers' 30 points, including 4-of-9 from 3-point range, and eight rebounds in the loss. Sellers was largely responsible for keeping Washington ahead of Utah for much of the night.
Washington jumped out to a 20-11 lead in the opening quarter to set an early tone before Utah responded in the second quarter to outscore the Huskies 20-9 to take a 31-29 lead into the halftime break.
But Washington answered back after the break to outscore Utah 21-9 in the third quarter before the late Kneepkens and Toure heroics to earn another good nonconference win.
Utah closed out the game on a 6-0 run, making five of their last seven field goals, while Washington only managed one field goal in its final 13 attempts. The Utes also held the Huskies to 38% shooting on the night and only allowed eight assists on 22 made buckets.
