Women's Basketball 1/31/2012 4:59:00 AM SUU Strategic Communication

UMKC Takes 64-46 Win Over SUU

CEDAR CITY, Utah – Jan. 30 – Southern Utah was unable to overcome a slow start in its matchup with UMKC on Monday as the Thunderbirds suffered a 64-46 defeat after scoring just 10 points in the opening half.

Both teams struggled to score the ball early as the Thunderbirds were just 1-8 from the floor midway through the first period while UMKC converted four of its first 24 attempts to build a 14-3 advantage.

Dayon Hall-Jones eventually got the Kangaroo offense going and would finish the half with 13 points to help UMKC take a 31-10 lead at the break.

Despite shooting just 25.6 percent in the opening period the 'Roos were able to put up 31 points by pulling down 16 offensive rebounds and going 8-11 at the free throw line. Southern Utah was held to its lowest scoring half of the season after committing 14 turnovers and shooting just 20 percent from the field to start the game.

“We gave up too many offensive rebounds in the first half,” explained head coach JR Payne. “They had 16 offensive rebounds on 19 missed shots, that is incredible.”

SUU came out with an effective full court press in the second half, using the increased defensive pressure to match their first half scoring total just five minutes into the period, as Kimie Hawkins scored inside to make the count 41-20. The Thunderbirds then continued to chip away at the deficit, pulling the score to 46-27 on a pair of free throws by Hawkins.

UMKC was able to keep its advantage around twenty points for the remainder of the game however, eventually claiming the 64-46 victory.

Dayon Hall Jones led all scorers with 19 points in the game while Kim Nezianya chipped in another 10 for the 'Roos. Carli Moreland finished the night with 17 for SUU, nine of which came at the foul line, and Kimie Hawkins had 14.

Southern Utah had a difficult night shooting the ball, going just 11-38 from the floor for a 28.9% field goal percentage. The Thunderbirds would do most of their scoring on free throws, converting on 24-of-33 attempts at the line. The SUU defense was able to hold the UMKC offense in check as the 'Roos shot just 32.8 percent in the contest.

“Our defense played great, but we have to finish possessions,” said Payne. “There were some things in the second half that we can build on. They learned that we can turn a game and play a great half.”

The loss drops SUU to 1-10 in conference play and 5-17 overall. UMKC moves into a tie for third in the Summit League standings with a record of 6-5 to go along with its season mark of 15-8.

The T-Birds will be on the road this week with visits scheduled for North and South Dakota State. SUU will meet up with the Bison on Saturday at 7 p.m. and then travel to take on the league leading Jackrabbits next Monday at 5 p.m. (MT)

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Players Mentioned

#34 Kimie Hawkins: F; 5' 11"; Junior

#15 Carli Moreland: F; 6' 1"; Sophomore

Players Mentioned

#34 Kimie Hawkins
: 5' 11"; Junior
: F

#15 Carli Moreland
: 6' 1"; Sophomore
: F

Players Mentioned

#34 Kimie Hawkins

#15 Carli Moreland

Players Mentioned

#34 Kimie Hawkins

#15 Carli Moreland