IRVINE, Calif. – Junior guard Madelyn Eaton scored 26 points, but it was not enough as the Southern Utah University women's basketball team went on to fall to UC Irvine, 81-65, Thursday night at Bren Events Center.
The setback dropped Southern Utah to 0-2 on the season while the Anteaters improved to 2-0.
"UC Irvine is a tough team that is going to be at the top of their conference," said SUU head coach Tracy Sanders. "You have to come out ready to defend and hit shots against a team like that. I thought we played a much better second half. Some of our bench came in and gave some solid minutes."
Eaton's performance was one of a few bright spots for the Thunderbirds. The Highland, Utah native shot an impressive 11-of-17 from the floor on the night, including a 2-of-4 clip from 3-point range. Eaton also chipped in two rebounds, a pair of assists and one steal.
SUU played Irvine tough for three quarters, but it was the second quarter that gave the Anteaters enough separation to comfortably cruise to a victory. After leading 18-15 at the end of the first quarter, the 'Eaters claimed a 30-18 advantage in the second quarter to lead by 15 at halftime.
The Thunderbirds got off to a promising start with a 5-0 run to open the game. Kinsley Barrington scored back-to-back buckets, followed by a free throw from Cherita Daugherty before UCI was able to get any points on the board. The teams proceeded to trade leads for the remainder of the quarter until the score was tied at 15 apiece, then the Anteaters claimed the lead and never looked back.
After Eaton's 26 points, Daugherty was the other T-Bird in double figures with 10. Daugherty and Darri Dotson led the rebounding efforts for SUU with six apiece, while three-different Thunderbirds registered three assists each.
After two games in California to open the year, Southern Utah now turns its attention to its home opener against in-state rival and future WAC foe Utah Valley. The Thunderbirds and Wolverines will meet Tuesday, November 16, at 6:30 p.m. MT in the America First Event Center. The game will be broadcast live on ESPN+ with radio available on 91.1 FM.
For all the latest on Southern Utah women's basketball, follow @SUUWBasketball on Twitter and Instagram, and like the Southern Utah Women's Basketball Facebook page.
