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SALT LAKE CITY, Utah — University of Utah sophomore guard Shona Thorburn scored 18 points, including a game-tying three-pointer with 1.4 seconds remaining in regulation, as Utah erased a late University of New Mexico lead and pulled away for a 64-61 overtime victory on Saturday afternoon in the Huntsman Center. New Mexico overcame a 10-point halftime deficit, leading most of the second half before Utah stormed back in the closing minutes. UNM (13-7, 3-4 MWC) dropped its fourth-straight Mountain West Conference road game and 21st-consecutive game at Salt Lake City. Meanwhile, Utah improved to 17-3 on the season, 7-0 in MWC and 10-0 at home.
The Utes controlled much of the first half, staking a 31-21 lead at the break. New Mexico however, came out strong in the second period, frustrating Utah with a stingy 2-3 zone defense. The Lobos outscored the Utes 12-2 over the first 2:45 of the second half to knot the game at 33 apiece. Paced by center All-America candidate, Jordan Adams’ 13 second half points, New Mexico led by as many as seven, 48-41, midway through the half. Utah refused to fold however, eventually tying the score at 52-52 late in the period. New Mexico hit five of its next six free throws to extend its lead back out to three points, 57-54, before Thornburn’s three-point heroics in the waning seconds. UNM sophomore Mandi Moore had a chance to win it at the buzzer, but was unable to connect on the jumper.
Three minutes into overtime, the game was tied once again at 59 when Thornburn struck again from beyond the arc, burying a three for a 62-59 Ute advantage. Utah then held the Lobos without a field goal over the final minutes of the overtime period, while Thornburn connected on both free throws to secure the Utes’ victory.
New Mexico outshot Utah, hitting 23-52 (44%) from the floor, while holding the Utes to just 22-62 (35%) on the afternoon. Turnovers proved to be key as the Lobos finished with 21 miscues, compared to just 13 for Utah.
Adams led all scorers, finishing with 24 points on 10-15 shooting. Sophomore Lindsey Arndt scored eight points while freshman Abbie Letz added seven. Thorburn’s 18 points led the Utes, while teammates Lana Sitterud and Kim Smith had 16 and 14, respectively.
The last time the Lobos had an overtime game was in 1999-2000 against Utah.
UNM returns to the road next Saturday, Feb. 15 when it travels to Colorado Springs, Colo. to take on the Air Force Falcons. Tip-off is scheduled for 4 p.m. (MST). The Lobos return home to face Wyoming on Feb. 20 in The Pit. I