The CSUN women’s basketball team has been plagued all season long with slow starts and last night was no different.
The Matadors fell behind 7-0 early in the first quarter before ultimately losing 97-56 on the road to the University of Utah Utes.
The loss drops the Matadors to 1-7 and increases the losing streak to three games.
The Utes would increase their lead to 16-2 before taking a 27-15 lead into the second quarter.
Interior play was also a concern for the Matadors yet again. They were outscored 52-24 in the paint and out-rebounded 55-31 which led to 19 second chance points for the Utes as compared to only two for the Matadors.
Adding to the Matadors woes was 16 turnovers which the Utes were able to capitalize off of, scoring 23 points off those turnovers.
They were unable to get any rhythm offensively, shooting a mere 39 percent from the field, including 31 percent from the three point line. In comparison, the Utes shot 51.4 percent from the field and 38.5 percent from behind the arc.
The Matadors found themselves trailing 54-29 at the half, and the Utes would only continue to pour it on in the second half, increasing their lead to 76-45 heading in to the fourth and final quarter before cruising to victory.
Despite the Matador’s struggles, sophomore guard Serafina Maulupe turned in another strong performance. She scored a career high 20 points, albeit on 35 percent shooting, to go along with six assists, three rebounds, and three steals.
Sophomore forward Caroline Gilling and senior forward Jasmine Johnson chipped in with seven points each.
The Utes were powered by their standout duo, sophomore forward Emily Potter and junior forward Paige Crozon. Potter, who is averaging a double double on the season, finished with 17 points on a scorching 87.5 percent shooting and pulled down 7 rebounds. Crozon, the second leading scorer on the team, also had 17 points on 50 percent shooting to go along with 13 rebounds and three steals.
The Matadors will return home on Monday Dec. 7 to take on the San Diego State University Aztecs. Tipoff is scheduled for 7 p.m.
