GREELEY, Colo. – Madelyn Eaton dropped in 20 points while Darri Dotson and Lizzy Williamson both recorded double-doubles, and the Southern Utah University women's basketball team survived overtime and took down Northern Colorado, 67-63, Tuesday night at Bank of Colorado Arena.
Southern Utah remained undefeated in conference play with the victory, moving to 5-0 against Big Sky competition. The Thunderbirds also improved to 9-5 overall on the season. The loss dropped Northern Colorado to 4-7 for the year and 0-3 in league play.
"I'm very proud of our ability to squeak this one out," said SUU head coach Tracy Sanders. "We have some ladies that haven't practiced in a week, and we definitely looked a little rusty, but they made some big plays and got some great stops to finish it. Overtime games are always good learning experiences and it's always nice when you can come out with the win."
Eaton provided a huge spark for the Thunderbirds off the bench with her team-high 20 points. She also made SUU's only two 3-pointers of the night, while adding three rebounds, one assist and two steals. Dotson was Southern Utah's second leading scorer for the night with 13 points to go with 10 rebounds, earning a double-double. The senior was also tough defensively, coming up with two steals and two blocks.
Williamson was the third T-Birds in double figures with 12 points, and added 13 rebounds to secure the team's second double-double of the night. The Australian contributed an additional steal and block on the defensive end. Cherita Daugherty ran the offense efficiently for SUU by dishing out a game-high five assists to go with nine points and five rebounds.
The Thunderbirds had their work cut out for them all night as Northern Colorado led for the majority of the game. The Bears jumped out to a quick, six-point advantage in the opening quarter before SUU fought back to take a one-point lead into the second quarter. The teams traded baskets to open the second quarter, but UNC reclaimed its lead and went up six heading into the halftime break.
The Bears quickly went to work widening the game in the second half as they led by 11 just moments into the third quarter. The Thunderbirds then turned up their intensity the rest of the way to begin clawing their way back in the game. Trailing by just four to open the final period, SUU finally took its first lead of the second half when Daugherty connected on a layup at the 5:30 mark. It appeared the T-Birds would win in regulation after building a five-point advantage, but UNC fought back to tie it up at 56 apiece to force overtime.
Southern Utah wasted no time taking control in overtime as Eaton connected from downtown and Dotson hit a pair from the charity stripe to take a five-point lead. Northern Colorado pulled within one on their next few trips down the floor, but could not catch up as the T-Birds hit their free throws to seal the victory and stay perfect in conference play.
SUU continues its road swing Saturday when they travel to Idaho to face the Bengals of Idaho State. Tip-off is slated for 2:00 p.m. MT, and the game can be seen on ESPN+.
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