Utah Getting Ready For Top 25 Showdown With No. 12 Kansas State
Jan 7, 2025, 2:07 PM
SALT LAKE CITY—Gavin Peterson’s No. 22 ranked Utah women’s basketball is gearing up for a big contest Wednesday night.
The No. 12 Kansas State Wildcats will be in Salt Lake City for a Top 25 showdown with the Utes. Even though it’s only January, this is a significant game for each program.
Utah is coming off of a big road win against Iowa State. With 24 points and 9 rebounds, Maye Toure was fantastic in the matchup. However, Utah will need strong performances from their veteran leaders and others to step up around them against Kansas State.
We’re back at home in the Huntsman on Wednesday for a TOP 25 matchup vs #12 ranked Kansas State‼️
Get your tickets at https://t.co/oBfWdafeVC#GoUtes pic.twitter.com/I7a6JUPNq1
— Utah Women’s Basketball (@UTAHWBB) January 6, 2025
Update on Kennady McQueen’s injury
“No update on timeline, but it’s not broken; I think high ankle sprain is the preliminary result right now,” head coach Gavin Peterson said of McQueen’s injury suffered against Iowa State. “I think there’s going to be more done by our medical team. I would estimate a few games, at least, missing, maybe longer, but we’ll have her back this season.”
Moving forward, Utah will be fine for the most part. Matyson Wilke has been able to fill the gaps when other injuries have happened.
“Next man up mentality, our program has been blessed with having players like Maty Wilke able and ready to roll,” Peterson said. “She started games for us last season when injuries occurred. She will slide into that role easily and we shouldn’t miss much of a beat.”
Wilke averaged 8.7 points, 2.6 rebounds, and about 2.0 assists per game in 13 starts last season. However, with her move to the starting lineup, others must up their contributions off the bench.
This is UTAH BASKETBALL 👏#GoUtes pic.twitter.com/7n4RkX4100
— Utah Women’s Basketball (@UTAHWBB) January 6, 2025
“Where we’re going to miss a beat is our experience off the bench, but it’s a good time for our freshmen to grow up,” Peterson shared. “They’re going to get that opportunity to play and I’m excited to see what they do with that opportunity.”
Utah’s three freshmen on the bench are guards Brooke Walker and Kylie Ray and forward Grace Foster. Walker and Ray have seen nearly equal playing time, but Foster’s size could lead to more minutes.
Coach Peterson urges fans to attend No. 12 Kansas State vs No. 22 Utah
“It’s an exciting matchup first of all, Kanas State’s a really good team,” coach Peterson said. “It’s a great opportunity to test ourselves and see where we are here in January.”
The Wildcats have a 15-1 record and have started Big 12 play with a 3-0 record. Their one loss so far this season came against the only ranked opponent they’ve faced, No. 13 Duke. They are led by Ayoka Lee, who averages 17.3 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 2.1 blocks per game. Four other players also average double figures for Kansas State, which is No. 11 in points per game at 84.8.
“It’s still just one game, the result, we’re going to let that take care of itself, but we’re going to be prepared, we’re going to compete, and play hard,” he continued.
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Doors open at 6 PM. Secure your seat NOW at: https://t.co/J3TFS70goS
*Limited to 1 per fan*#GoUtes pic.twitter.com/aH5kD1bIZU
— Utah Women’s Basketball (@UTAHWBB) January 7, 2025
Utah is not far behind at No. 22 with 81.5 points, thanks to a balanced scoring effort themselves. Utah has gotten bigger contributions from Maye Toure and Reese Ross of late. The defensive effort from the Utes will be key to their chances of a win, and a strong crowd behind them will help in that regard.
This is also a chance to express gratitude for the team that has powered Utah’s rise in women’s college basketball. A handful of seniors are nearing the end of their time with the program, and Coach Peterson encourages fans to attend games and show their support.
“I think this team deserves our fans really getting behind them because this is a really fun group to watch,” Peterson shared. “We’ve had some people in Utah uniforms— Jenna Johnson, Ines Vieira, Kennady McQueen, those guys have given their all to this program and have turned it into what it is today. We’re not going to have them next year, so take advantage, and come out to watch some great basketball from these young women.”
