HONOLULU, Hawaii - Despite matching Utah's production for three quarters, an early first quarter deficit was the difference as TSU's late rally fell short versus Utah in the Hawai'i' Rainbow Classic opener Friday afternoon.
TSU and Utah was deadlocked at 5-5 early in the quarter but an early 12-0 run pushed the momentum to Utah as they led 17-5 with 4:03 left. Niya Mitchell's three consecutive baskets narrowed the gap to 17-9 but Utah closed out the quarter ahead by 13 at 24-11. Utah would lead by as much as 21 in the second quarter but TSU closed out the half on an 8-0 run to trail 35-22.
The Tigers stayed within striking distance to open the third quarter as Ciani Cryor's layup brought the deficit to single digits (42-31) with 55 seconds remaining. However, a bad pass late in the quarter directly led to a Utah three-pointer with no time remaining as the Utes led 44-32 to end the quarter. Despite the hurdle, TSU continued to battle as they closed to within seven on two occasions within the first three-and-a-half minutes of the final quarter. Utah would push its lead back to 12 with 6:18 left but Ataiya Bridges' trey followed by an offensive foul led to Richelle Velez's three-pointer and a 53-47 margin with 4:34 left.
Two free throws by Bridges brought Utah's lead down to 53-49 but the Utes answered with a basket before Mitchell's layup for a 55-51 margin. The Utes would answer to push the lead back to six at 57-51 as TSU would only score a free throw the remainder of the way.
Cryor led TSU with 14 points followed by 12 from Bridges off the bench. Mitchell added seven rebounds to go along with eight points.
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Courtesy: TSU Athletics