The last time WSU women’s basketball faced University of Utah, a foul by redshirt junior Nike McClure in the final seconds sent the Utes to the free-throw line to seal the game.

That game has been a microcosm for how the season has been for the Cougars (10-16, 3-11). Most recently, WSU lost to Oregon State University in the final seconds of overtime from a pair of free throws.

Junior guard Alexys Swedlund said the multiple close losses have made the team better, and its future looks bright.

“I think it was a huge step for our program,” Swedlund said. “I think we’ve become a lot stronger mentally and physically. Being deep into Pac-12 play, we understand that every game is going to be a battle.”

Sophomore forward Kayla Washington said two competitive games against ranked opponents Friday and Sunday displayed that the WSU can compete with anybody in the conference.

“It showed how good of a team we actually are,” Washington said. “We have a mindset that we have nothing to lose at this point, so we just come out play hard. Sometimes it surprises teams because they don’t always see it coming from us.”

Swedlund said the adversity the Cougars have faced this season will help the team against Utah (15-10, 6-8).

Perhaps the biggest challenge WSU will face is the big three of the Utes: senior forward Emily Potter, redshirt junior forward Megan Huff and junior wing Daneesha Provo.

Swedlund said the Cougars will have to keep an eye on these three players see success Friday.

“They run the floor well. They get their shooters wide,” Swedlund said. “They have Potter, who is a relatively big girl who can run the floor really well, so we have to understand our transition defense is going to be crucial.”

Washington said the Cougars have been working with on-ball pressure ahead of Utah.

“When we have the ball pressure up top or on the wing,” Washington said, “it’s going to limit their vision so that they can’t make easy passes into Potter or whoever is in the post. The less touches she gets, the better it is for us.”

It has been over a month since these teams faced each other, and Washington said her team is better now than it was before.

“I think we’re finding our flow offensively and defensively,” she said. “I think we’re playing together way better than the first time we met them.”

WSU will face the Utes at 6 p.m. Friday in the Jon M. Huntsman Center in Salt Lake City. The game can also be viewed live on Pac-12 Networks.