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The Utah women's basketball team lost twice to Oregon in Pac-12 play, but in the teams' WNIT meeting, the Ducks will be missing the player who hurt the Utes the most in those games.
The Utes and Ducks will play Wednesday (7 p.m. MDT) in the third round of the 64-team WNIT at Matthew Knight Arena in Eugene, Ore. The winner will advance to the quarterfinals against Thursday's TCU-UTEP winner.
Oregon's Jillian Alleyne sustained a season-ending knee injury in late February, after averaging 26.5 points and 12.5 rebounds in wins of 77-65 and 69-58 over Utah. Without her, the Ducks have advanced in the WNIT, beating Long Beach State 84-76 and Fresno State 84-59.
In Alleyne's absence, guard Maite Cazorla has become the Ducks' top threat. She scored 20 points Monday as Oregon shot 56.4 percent from the field.
Utah has been explosive in the WNIT, with wins of 95-61 over Montana State and 92-77 over Gonzaga. Paige Crozon has totaled 42 points in two games, leading a balanced attack.
As Pacific's coach, Utah's Lynne Roberts competed in the WNIT's third round in 2013 — when her team lost in overtime to Utah. The Utes reached the championship game that year, losing to Drexel.
Weber State hosts WBI semifinal game
After winning two road games, Weber State hosts South Carolina Upstate at 7 p.m. Wednesday at the Dee Events Center in the semifinals of the Women's Basketball Invitational.
The Wildcats (22-11) have tied the school record for wins in a season after beating New Mexico 75-67 and North Dakota 76-74 in the WBI. —
Utah at Oregon
P 7 p.m. MDT Wednesday Live stream • Pac-12.com Radio • ESPN 700