Pili’s late free-throws pushes No. 10 Utah past No. 10 Utah past No.

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — Alissa Pili scored 27 points, including the winning free throws with 0.3 seconds left, to lead No. 10 Utah won by 80 to 79 over No. 14 Arizona on Sunday

Pili shot 11 of 16 from behind the arc, while Gianna kneepkens scored 20 points for the Utes (15-1 Pac-12, 5-1 Pac-12). Issy Parker added 10 points. Arizona ended a five-game losing streak that Utah had endured since 2019.

Arizona was led by Cate Reseese, who scored 25 points and had 10 rebounds (14-4-3). Jade Loville had 17 points, while Esmery Martinez was second with 10 and Shaina Pelington contributed 10. The Wildcats lost their second consecutive game.

Arizona trailed by eight points in the third quarter before rallying to take a 75-73 lead with 1:08 left in the game on Helena Pueyo’s jumper that capped a 6-0 spurt.

Kneepkens responded with a 3-point play at the other end, followed by a pair free throws to bring Utah back in front. Paris Clark scored back-to-back baskets — the second off a steal — to give the Wildcats a 79-78 lead with 1.6 seconds left.

Pili was fouled in the first half, but her free throws saved the Utes from their first home loss.

Pili made her eight first field-goal attempts, and she was 7 of 7 from the floor just before halftime.

Arizona managed to keep up with the Utes’ pace, shooting 58% from the field during the first half. Before the half ended, Utah led 42-40. After Arizona missed 10 shots in an eight-minute stretch, Utah pulled ahead 55-47 in the third quarter.

BIG PICTURE

Arizona: The Wildcats managed to avoid another slow start. Utah was 18-4 ahead of Arizona in fast break points.

Utah: Pili demonstrated once more why she is a candidate for national player-of-the year. The junior forward carried the offense at critical moments and put the Utes on her shoulder.

UP NEXT

Arizona: Arizona State visits on Jan. 22,

Utah: No. 2 Stanford on Friday

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AP college basketball: https://apnews.com/hub/college-basketball and https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-basketball-poll and https://twitter.com/AP_Top25