CEDAR CITY, Utah – The Thunderbirds defeated the Lumberjacks, 63-53, to earn their second Big Sky win.
The first three minutes of the opening half were scoreless before Desiree Jackson knocked in a jumper to get the Thunderbirds rolling. A three-pointer from Ashleigh Munns extended SUU's lead to six before a free throw from Brenna Gates and a fast break from Munns pushed Southern Utah ahead, 11-2.
The Lumberjacks broke Southern Utah's nine-point run with a free throw before fighting back to tie the game at 13. Madison Wright drained a three to regain SUU's lead before the game tied up again at 16.
Northern Arizona took its first lead of the night at 21-20 before a layup and a pair of free throws from Emma Weinreich placed the Thunderbirds back in the lead. The game tied at 27 before a single Lumberjack free throw rounded out the half to put Northern Arizona ahead, 28-27.
Weinreich led the Thunderbirds in the first half with six points as Jackson, Munns and Gates each added five. Marquelle Funk tacked on two blocks as Jackson and Jessica Richardson totaled two assists apiece. Southern Utah shot 39.1% from the field in the opening half.
“We were getting caught up in their tempo of the game,” head coach Chris Boettcher said. “We wanted to attack them more offensively and we came out in the second half and did that. They executed like they were supposed to.”
Southern Utah jumped ahead to launch the second half as a three-pointer from Jackson shot the Thunderbirds up by four. The game tied at 41 before Sydnee Taylor drained a three, Funk finished a pair of free throws and Gates knocked in a layup to give SUU a five-point advantage.
“We executed defensively and we made them take some tough shots,” Jackson said. “Our defense is what won the game.”
A basket from Iva Georgieva followed by a three-point play from Jackson extended Southern Utah's lead to thirteen with three and a half minutes remaining. The Lumberjacks inched back but the Thunderbirds clung to their lead, resulting in a 63-53 Big Sky victory.
“Having people step up with balanced scoring was a big key tonight,” Boettcher commented. “I'm really happy with them. Their hard work is really paying off.”
Jackson led all-scorers with 18 points as Gates added 11. Gates totaled three blocks in the game with Richardson leading the team in assists with four. Southern Utah shot 37.5% from the field.
The Thunderbirds hit the road next week as they take on Idaho State on Jan. 15 and Weber State on Jan. 17.
“It's going to be a tough road trip,” Boettcher stated. “But the team is focused and excited to prove themselves on the road.”
