LAS VEGAS - Seattle U's Kaylee Best hit a pair of free throws with nine seconds remaining and the Redhawks got the stop on the defensive end to avoid the upset with a 61-60 win against Utah Valley to advance to the 2017 WAC Tournament championship game.
The Wolverines came fighting out of the gate, holding a 15-11 lead after the first quarter and putting another 15 points on the board before halftime to take a 30-26 lead into the break. The Redhawks tightened the gap to one point heading into the final quarter and Best hit her free throws in the closing seconds to send the Redhawks to their third WAC title game, where they will face two-time defending champion NM State.
Seattle U was led by 19 points and 15 rebounds from Wilma Afunugo. Best finished with 18 points on the night. The Redhawks took advantage of 25 second-chance points on 19 offensive rebounds. SU also scored 18 points off 16 UVU turnovers.
Utah Valley was led by 17 points from Britta Hall and 16 points from Sam Lubcke. Mariah Seals and Taylor Gordon added 11 points in the losing effort.