K-State women’s basketball nearly erased a large deficit but came up short in an 80-73 loss to Utah on Saturday night at Bramlage Coliseum. The Wildcats trailed by 19 points entering the fourth quarter before cutting the margin to four with just over three minutes left.

Tess Heal led K-State with 25 points on efficient shooting, while Nastja Claessens added 13 points and Izela Arenas scored 12 off the bench. K-State shot over 80 percent in the fourth quarter and scored 32 points in the final period, its highest-scoring quarter of the season.

Utah was led by Reese Ross, who finished with 21 points and 10 rebounds, and Grace Foster, who scored 17 points. Utah built its lead with strong shooting in the first half and held on late with key baskets and free throws.

K-State dropped to 9-9 overall and 2-3 in Big 12 play.