Christensen’s 25 leads USU women past Denver

USU senior guard Devyn Christensen looks for a shot during a game against WAC opponent Denver during a game on Saturday, Jan. 19, 2013. 

<strong>LOGAN—</strong> The Utah State University women’s basketball team shot its way to a huge win over the Denver Pioneers Saturday at the Dee Glen Smith Spectrum. Led by senior guard Devyn Christensen, who scored 25 points, the Aggies were too much to handle as the pulled away for an 85-69 win.

“It’s our first, not-close game of the season. It was great, it builds on our momentum,” junior guard Jennifer Schlott said. “We have been practicing so well and we haven’t been showing it in the games lately, but tonight was one of those games where it clicked, everything clicked.”

USU shot 56.4 percent while holding Denver to 33.8 percent for the contest.

“The reason why the defense looked good tonight is because we were making shots offensively,” Utah State head coach Jerry Finkbeiner. “There wasn’t any pressure on our defense so we could take a few more chances.”

The Aggies jumped out to an early 4-0 lead after baskets by Haylee Thompson and Makenlee Williams, but four consecutive misses allowed the Pioneers to take a 7-5 advantage.

Jenna Johnson tied the game after a pair of free throws and Christensen added a floater from inside the lane to give USU a 9-7 lead – a lead which they wouldn’t relinquish.

Leading by just six points with eight minutes remaining in the first half, the Aggies received a much needed offensive boost when Christensen found her shooting touch. The senior hit five 3-pointers en route to scoring 23 first half points and helping Utah State secure a 51-33 lead at the break.

“The first half was big for us because we got them on the ropes,” Christensen said. “We did a really good job getting rebounds, outlets, and running up and down the floor.”

Johnson scored 13 points during the second half to maintain the lead down the stretch and the Aggies led by as many as 25 before pulling their starters.

Schlott recorded 15 points and nine assists for the game while Franny Vaaulu scored 12, making all six field goals she attempted.

Christensen’s game-high 25 points moves her career total to 1,287. She is just 66 points from tying Jerrie McGahan’s USU record of 1,353.

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