Box Score LOGAN, Utah - The Thunderbird women's basketball team continued their hot start to the 2016-17 season Tuesday night with a 70-54 win over the Utah State Aggies.
Head coach Chris Boettcher was very proud of the team saying, “I'm really happy with the way the team played. They came out and executed the gameplan on offense and defense and played with a lot of confidence. It's fun to see different people step up and contribute in so many different ways.”
The Aggies struck first in the game with an opening three pointer by Eliza West and a layup by Rachel Brewster to give them a lead for the first minute and 23 seconds of the game. Sophomore Breanu Reid would then sink a three point basket of her own to tie things up at 5-5 and it was all Thunderbirds from there. Five different Thunderbirds would combine for 14 points throughout the rest of the quarter. The first quarter would come to a close with a score of 19-13 in favor of the T-Birds.
The second quarter was the biggest quarter of the night for the Thunderbirds as they outscored the Aggies 20-10. Senior Jamie Smith ended the first half leading all scorers with 10 of the Thunderbirds 39 points. Freshman Rebecca Cardenas had a big first half as well with five assists, five rebounds, and five points.
The biggest quarter of the night for the Thunderbirds was followed immediately by the biggest quarter of the night for the Aggies. The home team outscored the Thunderbirds by a score of 19-13 and were able to cut the lead down to eight at one point. A 10-5 scoring run for the Thunderbirds during the final three minutes would give them a 52-42 heading into the final quarter.
The fourth quarter would see a return to form for the Lady T-Birds as they were able to put the Aggies away for good, outscoring them 18-12 for a final score of 70-54. Smith had eight points in the final quarter to bring her total on the night to 21.
“Jamie not only had a big night in terms of points and things, but it was probably the best night I have seen Jamie play. She was in control and she made good, smart decisions just like a senior should,” Boettcher said. “We're really excited to see her come into her own as a senior and as a captain and lead the team.”
Cardenas finished her night with 12 points, seven rebounds, nine assists, and three steals. Senior Jessica Richardson also contributed 10 points and five rebounds.
The next game for the Thunderbirds will be Saturday afternoon at home against the Arizona Wildcats.
To stay up to date during the games and throughout the 2016-17 season follow @SUUWBasketball on Twitter and Instagram and like the SUU Women's Basketball page on Facebook.
