TUCSON, Ariz. – The Utah Utes (14-5, 5-3 Pac-12) went up 12 in the first quarter and did not look back as they knocked off the Arizona Wildcats (5-14, 1-7 Pac-12) in McKale Center on Sunday afternoon by a score of 80-56.
 
Much like the last time these two teams played, Utah dominated the inside as the Utes outrebounded Arizona 40-20 and outscored them by 12 points in the paint. Not only did Utah control the paint, they also knocked down 11 three-pointers while shooting 44% from outside. Overall, the Utes shot 52% from the field. Megan Huff, Tori Williams and Daneesha Provo all scored in double-figures for the Utes.
 
Arizona was led by Marlee Kyles, Sam Thomas and Lucia Alonso in the scoring department, as Kyles finished with 15, Thomas scored 12 points and Alonso had 11. The last time Kyles scored in double-figures was back on Dec. 29 and 15 points is the most she has scored since she had 19 back on Nov. 28.
 
JaLea Bennett also pitched in nine points while Destiny Graham brought down eight rebounds.
 
Utah came out on absolute fire in the first quarter, draining 64% of their shots, including 5-7 from downtown. At the end of one, the Utes were already up double-digits by a score of 24-12. The second quarter was even, with both teams scoring 14 points apiece to make the score 38-26 at the half. Kyles knocked down a long three-pointer with just a few second left in the half.
 
The Utes made four more threes in the third quarter and extended their lead to 21 by winning the third period 23-14. Provo had 12 points by herself. Utah made their free throws in the fourth quarter to maintain a comfortable lead throughout the period.
 
Arizona will hit the road again next weekend, this time to the Bay Area to face Cal and Stanford. First up for the Wildcats will be the Golden Bears on Friday, Jan. 26. Tip-off is set for 8 p.m. MST.
 
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