Turnovers and 3-Point Barrage Doom Thunderbirds in 109-62 Loss at ORU

TULSA, Okla. - Dec. 5 - Southern Utah found itself on the wrong side of a single-game 3-point record as Oral Roberts connected on 17-of-29 from long range to hand the Thunderbirds a 109-62 defeat on Saturday afternoon. The loss drops SUU to 1-7 on the year and 0-1 in Summit League play, while the Golden Eagles move to 5-2 overall and 1-0.

ORU began the first half, shooting 73 percent from the field over the first eight minutes of the game to build a 27-11 lead at the second media timeout. The run included a 5-of-6 clip from behind the 3-point line as Oral Roberts connected on 13 long-range bombs during the first 20 minutes to take a 58-30 lead into the half.

Southern Utah surrendered 19 turnovers over the first half, leading to 25 ORU points. The turnovers were the only blemish in an otherwise strong first half for the Thunderbirds as the team shot 43 percent from the field, led by a solid performance from Caitlin Sears with 13 points on 6-of-9 shooting.

The Golden Eagles maintained the lead through the second half, wrapping up the 109-62 victory at the final whistle.

Southern Utah finished the game with 38 turnovers, leading to 56 points for Oral Roberts. Sears led the Thunderbirds with a season-high 17 points and was joined in double figures by Chanel Thorley with 15. ORU's Kevi Luper led all scorers with 30 points and added a school-record 12 steals during the night.

SUU will be back in action on Monday night when the Thunderbirds continue their first conference road trip of the season with a match-up with the Centenary Ladies. Tip-off for that game is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. (CT).

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Players Mentioned

#44 Chanel Thorley: F/C; 6' 3"; Freshman

Players Mentioned

#44 Chanel Thorley
: 6' 3"; Freshman
: F/C

Players Mentioned

#44 Chanel Thorley

Players Mentioned

#44 Chanel Thorley