PROVO, Utah – The first WCC action of the season saw the Tigers drop a tough match against BYU, the top team in the conference. 

Leading the Tigers again after missing a game, Anaya James scored 18 points, including nine points in the third quarter. After an extended break, Elizabeth Elliott picked up right where she left off, scoring 15 points and collecting 11 rebounds for her second double-double of the season. Liz Smith led the Tigers with 31 minutes played and four assists. 

Five different Tigers scored two points in the quarter as the Tigers trailed 30-10 heading into the second quarter. The Tigers won the tip and promptly scored, getting their only lead of the game. BYU responded with a second chance three before going on a 25-4 run to take a commanding lead. 

In the second quarter, the Tiger's offense recovered, scoring 22 points and keeping the Cougars from pulling away anymore. Sam Ashby controlled the quarter, scoring all nine of her points in the quarter. At the half, the Tigers trailed 55-32, heading into the locker room. 

The third quarter was similar to the second, with BYU outscoring the Tigers by just a few points. Anaya James had her biggest quarter of the game with nine points on three makes from deep. 

The Tigers outscored the Cougars in the final frame, with Diamond Richardson and Cassidy Johnson leading the team in scoring in the fourth. The Tigers went on a 9-0 run in the quarter as the Tiger's conditioning allowed them to stay active for all 40 minutes. 

The Tigers will be back home for the first time since December 4 as they host Gonzaga next Thursday. The tip-off will be at 7 PM.