The Utah Utes women's basketball team faces a tough matchup against No. 3 Notre Dame on Nov. 30 after a close loss to Mississippi State, leaving them at 5-2 for the season. Gianna Kneepkens continues to shine, averaging over 17 points per game and maintaining a stellar free throw percentage. The Utes, led by new head coach Gavin Petersen, are looking to bounce back against an undefeated Fighting Irish team that boasts multiple double-digit scorers.

By the Numbers
  • Utah is 5-2 this season, with a recent 66-62 loss to Mississippi State.
  • Gianna Kneepkens is averaging 17.3 points per game, shooting 93.3% from the free throw line (28-of-30).
Yes, But

Despite a strong performance in previous games, Utah struggles historically against Notre Dame, holding a 0-3 record in their matchups, including two losses at neutral sites.

State of Play
  • Notre Dame is currently undefeated at 5-0, with six players averaging double-digit scoring.
  • The Utes are making their season debut in the Cayman Islands Classic with high expectations despite their last game setback.
What's Next

If the Utes can leverage their experience and improve on their recent performance against Mississippi State, they have a chance to upset the highly ranked Fighting Irish and regain momentum in the season.

Bottom Line

Utah must focus on their defensive strategies and capitalizing on free throw opportunities to beat Notre Dame, as it's crucial for their confidence and positioning within the league this season.