Women's Basketball Opens Conference Play Wednesday

Jan. 7, 2008

University of Utah Utes

(11-3, 0-0 Mountain West)

vs.

United States Air Force Academy

(6-6, 0-0 Mountain West)

Game No. 15 ? Wednesday, Jan. 9 ? 7 p.m.
Clune Arena ? USAFA, Colo.

Game Information
Series: Utah leads, 25-0
Series Streak: Utah has won 25
Last Meeting: Utah 60, Air Force 52 (2/22/07)
Last Meeting at USAFA: Utah 60, AFA 52 (2/22/07)

Television: None
Radio: KZNS 1280 The Zone, Chris Tunis (play by play)
UtahUtes.com: Free audio/live stats

Complete Release in PDF Format

The Tipoff
After 14 games, the University of Utah women's basketball team (11-3, 0-0 Mountain West) begins conference play. It all starts in Colorado Springs, Colo., when the Utes play the United State Air Force Academy on Wednesday, Jan. 9. Tipoff in Clune Arena is set for 7 p.m. The Utes, who are receiving votes in both polls, begin conference play on a six-game winning streak. They topped Eastern Michigan on Jan. 5, 70-56, in their last outing. The Utes haven't lost since their setback at USC on Dec. 3. Air Force (6-6 overall, 0-0 MWC) has won three of its last five games, but dropped a 72-69 overtime decision to service academy rival Navy back on Dec. 29. This game will be broadcast on KZNS with Chris Tunis calling the action. Live stats and audio are available at www.UtahUtes.com.

Scouting the Opponent
The Falcons enter Wednesday's game with a 6-6 overall mark. However, they have had 10 days off since the 72-69 overtime loss to Navy back on Dec. 29. The loss to the Midshipmen snapped their two-game winning streak. AFA averages 65.2 points per game, and that number is buoyed by the fact that it is the top three-point shooting team in the league (.392). The Falcons are led by Alecia Steele. She averages 15.2 points and 8.9 rebounds, ranking fourth and first in the league, respectively. Steele is one of three Falcons to average double-figure scoring numbers as Pamela Findlay (the MWC's top three-point shooter) averages 14.0 points, and Brooke Cultra adds 10.0 points. Ardie McInelly is in her seventh season on the bench at AFA. She 46-134 all-time as its mentor.

A Brief Look at the Series
Wednesday marks the 26th time that these two teams will lock horns on the hardwood. It's been a one-sided series, though, as Utah owns the 25-0 all-time series lead. It all started in January of 1998 with a 97-54 win in Salt Lake City. Last year, Utah bagged two wins against the Falcons, claiming an 80-59 home victory on Jan. 20, 2007, and a 60-52 road win on Feb. 22, 2007. Utah is 91-25 all-time in the Mountain West Conference, making it the all-time winningest team in the league.

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