CEDAR CITY, Utah - The Southern Utah women's basketball team will begin the Big Sky Conference portion of their 2018-19 schedule this weekend in the state of Montana. The Thunderbirds will take on Montana State on December 29 and the University of Montana on December 31.
Last Time Out
The Lady T-Birds wrapped up non-conference play last week with a 53-88 loss to Boise State on the road. The loss to Broncos gave them a 3-6 record on the season, matching their entire win total from the 2017-18 season in just nine games. The T-Birds are 3-1 inside of the America First Event Center, picking up statement wins over the University of San Diego, BYU, and Utah Valley.
Harley Hansen is the leading scorer through nine games for Southern Utah. The transfer from Snow College is averaging 11.1 points per game and has been in double-digit scoring for the last three games. Rebecca Cardenas leads the team in rebounding (6.4 rpg), assists (3.8 apg), and minutes played (36.4 mpg).
Scouting Report: Montana State Bobcats (5-5)
The Bobcats picked up five wins in the non-conference part of their schedule including two wins in the preseason WNIT over Delaware and Texas State. Last season they finished 9-9 in Big Sky play and were the seventh seed in the Big Sky tournament.
Claire Lundberg is the leading scorer for the Bobcats, averaging 18.4 points per game. The senior currently holds a 50.4 field goal percentage through 10 games. Blaire Braxton is the team's leading rebounder at 5.7 per game.
The Bobcats took both matchups with the Thunderbirds last season. SUU last beat Montana State in January of the 2014-15 season in Cedar City.
Scouting Report: Montana Grizzlies (5-4)
The Grizzlies will come into Big Sky play on a two game winning streak, finishing their non-conference slate with wins over Saint Francis and an exhibition win over Montana Tech.
McKenzie Johnston is the leading scorer for the Grizzlies with 11.2 points per game through nine games. Emma Stockholm is also averaging double-digits in scoring with 10.3 ppg.
The Grizzlies have won the last seven matchups between the two teams, with the Thunderbirds' last win coming during their 2013-14 Big Sky Championship run.
Game Info
Saturday's game against the Bobcats in Bozeman is set to tip off at 2:00 p.m. Mountain time. Monday's game in Missoula is also set to tip off at 2:00 p.m. Both games can be streamed live for free on PlutoTV and live stats will be available at tbirdstats.com.
Tickets
Tickets for the Lady T-Birds' next home game on January 3 against Idaho State are available at tbirdtickets.com or the America First Event Center Ticket Office. Fans can also purchase a Women's Sports Pass for access to all 2018-19 home games.
Follow Us
Stay up to date during the 2018-19 Lady T-Bird Basketball season by following @SUUWBasketball on Twitter and Instagram and liking the Southern Utah Women's Basketball page on Facebook.
