CEDAR CITY, Utah - The Southern Utah University women's basketball team is set to begin conference play and make its debut in the Western Athletic Conference. The Thunderbirds will first host in-state rival Utah Tech at the America First Event Center on Thursday, Dec. 29 at 6:30 p.m. MT. Following this, Southern Utah will travel to New Mexico State on Saturday, Dec. 31 at 1:00 p.m. MT. for the final game of the calendar year.
Game Info
- Southern Utah vs Utah Tech
Date: Thursday, December 29
Tipoff: 6:30 p.m. MT.
Live Stream | Live Stats
- Southern Utah vs New Mexico State
Date: Saturday, December 31
Tipoff: 1:00 p.m. MT.
Live Stream | Live Stats
T-Bird Tidbits
Southern Utah ranks 21st in the nation in rebounding, grabbing an impressive 44.1 rebounds each game.
The Thunderbirds have been extremely efficient at the charity stripe this season, knocking down 72.6 percent of their free throws as a team.
Individual Leaders
Cherita Daugherty leads the charge offensively to the tune of 12.6 points per game. In addition, Lizzy Williamson (11.8), Daylani Ballena (11.6), and Megan Jensen (10.2) all score over 10 points a night for the Thunderbirds.
Williamson is the leading rebounder in the WAC, snatching up 10.5 rebounds per game. Ballena ranks third overall in the conference in the assist category with 4.1 assists each game.
Last Time Out
First Half
Southern Utah came out strong to begin the contest. Williamson connected with Daugherty for a layup on the first play of the game, followed by a pair of three pointers by Ballena to put SUU ahead 8-4. The Utes would respond with a run to place themselves ahead by eight. Jensen caught fire for the Thunderbirds in the final minutes of the quarter, hitting four consecutive field goals.
Jensen continued to pour in the points with a pair of buckets in the second period. The Thunderbirds trailed 41-28 at the half.
Second Half
Jensen and Daugherty combined for ten points in the third quarter. Williamson added a couple of buckets as well to help the 'Birds attack.
Daugherty found her stride in the final period, connecting on a trio of mid-range jumpers and a layup. Alexa Lord chipped in four points as well, but in the end it wasn't enough, as Utah would walk away with a 90-56 victory.
Scouting Report: Utah Tech (8-3)
Utah Tech won its previous outing against Lindenwood to give the Trailblazers a 8-3 overall record to finish non-conference play.
The Trailblazers have a plethora of options on the offensive side of the game. Breaunna Gillen (19.8), Macie Warren (18.9), Maggie McCord (12.8), and Emily Isaacson (10.5) all tally double digits on a nightly basis.
Utah Tech scores 83.1 points per game while holding its opponents to only 70.6 points per game.
Scouting Report: New Mexico State (5-7)
The Aggies have won two games in a row, and could stretch their winning streak to three before facing the T-Birds depending on the outcome of their contest against UTRGV on Dec. 29.
Molly Kaiser (10.9) and Sylena Peterson (10.3) each score over 10 points per game for the Aggies.
New Mexico State scores 63.8 points per game compared to its opponents 60.3 points per game.
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