CEDAR CITY, Utah - The Southern Utah University women's basketball team will host La Sierra on Saturday, Dec. 17 at 6:30 p.m. MT.

GAME INFO

Southern Utah vs. La Sierra

Date: Saturday, December 17

Tip-off: 6:30 p.m. MT

Broadcast: ESPN+

Live Stream | Live Stats

PREVIEW

SOUTHERN UTAH (3-6)

T-Bird Tidbits

The Thunderbirds return to the court after a ten day break between games. Southern Utah boasts a 3-1 home record at the America First Event Center, and will look to defend home court against La Sierra.

The T-Birds continue to outrebound their opponents, grabbing 45.8 boards per game compared to 37.3 by their opposition. 

Individual Leaders

Several players chip in offensively to power the 'Birds attack. Lizzy Williamson (13.1), Cherita Daugherty (12.8), and Daylani Ballena (12.3) each eclipse over 12 points per game.

Williamson leads the team with 10.9 rebounds per game, while Ballena puts up a team-high 4.4 assists.

LAST TIME OUT

First Half

After Colorado jumped out on a 5-0 run to start the game, Daylani Ballena would open the Thunderbird attack with a deep three-point bucket and eight early first-quarter points to give SUU an (11-7) heading into the 4:45 media timeout. 

Coming out of the timeout, Ballena and Lizzy Williamson would connect on two shots inside the paint on two straight possessions, but the Buffs would surge back to take the lead (20-16) at the end of the quarter. 

The second quarter began with several efficient looks for the Thunderbirds. After a Cherita Daugherty mid-range jumper and a second-chance layup for Williamson, the Thunderbirds would remain within striking distance down 24-20 with 7:46 remaining. Colorado would close the last five minutes of the half on a 12-2 run to take a 41-27 lead into the break. 

Second Half

The Thunderbirds would keep the intensity high out of the break, scoring in their first possession when a Daugherty steal led to a Ballena mid-range jumper at the top of the key. Daugherty continued to produce offensively in the quarter, hitting two more jumpers in the period, but the Buffaloes would extend their lead to 57-37 heading into the fourth quarter. 

Megan Jensen started the final quarter with four quick points off two gritty hustle plays down in the paint. Colorado would pull away, in the end, walking away with the 78-48 victory. 

SCOUTING REPORT: LA SIERRA (2-8)

The Golden Eagles began their season with eight consecutive losses, but have picked up the pace lately with two straight wins. One of these wins came against Benedictine University at Mesa, an opponent the Thunderbirds defeated convincingly earlier this season.

La Sierra conquered Park University - Gilbert in its previous outing. The Golden Eagles saw five players score over 10 points, with Kaylee Martinez leading the charge with 22 points on 8-12 shooting. The team will hope to replicate this offensive output as they seek their third straight win.

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