SAN DIEGO, Calif.- The Omaha Mavericks turned up their defensive pressure in downing Utah Valley University 53-48 in the final day of the San Diego Thanksgiving Classic. The win gives Omaha (4-4) three straight wins for the first time since the close of the 2022-2023.
The Mavericks had season highs with 16 steals and three blocked shots, forcing the Wolverines (6-2) into 25 turnovers in the win. They limited UVU to 34.5% shooting from the floor and 3-16, 18.8% from behind the three-point line. They led by as many as 17 points in the second half.
Once again Omaha's bench came through with a spark, paced by sophomore guard
Alana Powell (7 points, 4 rebounds and 2 assists). Omaha entered the tournament ranked 16th in the NCAA with 34 ppg from their bench.
For the game, they were led by seniors
Grace Cave (13 pts, 5 reb, 5 assists, 1 steal) and
Morgann Gardner (8 pts on 4-4 shooting). Senior
Ja Harvey, playing in front of friends and family this weekend from her home in nearby Granite Hills, added 7 points to go with 5 assists and 4 steals. Sophomore
Cora Olsen also scored 7, with 2 reb., 1 assist and 1 steal. Freshman
Harriet Ford played less than 10:00 but still grabbed 5 rebounds to go with 4 pts. and a blocked shot.
Utah Valley's Tahlia White led all scorers with 18 points.
Omaha claimed both games in the San Diego tournament, downing host San Diego 70-66 Friday. The Mavericks have now won three straight and two in a row away from home. Omaha travels up the west coast to play Portland State in the Big Sky/Summit Challenge, Wednesday 12/4 at 9 p.m. CT.
The Mavericks return home to Baxter Arena Saturday 12/7 against Sacramento State for a 2 p.m. CT tip-off. Tickets are available for all Mavericks home games at OMavs.com/tix.
