CEDAR CITY, Utah - Megan Jensen and Cherita Daugherty combined for 40 points as the Southern Utah University women's basketball team conquered Utah Valley 70-66 on Wednesday. SUU improves to 8-7 and remains the only undefeated team in Western Athletic Conference play with a 4-0 record. Meanwhile, Utah Valley drops to 4-12 overall and 1-4 in conference play.
Individual Leaders
Jensen had a sensational performance tonight against her former team. Jensen led Southern Utah with 22 points on remarkable efficiency, shooting 57.1 percent from the field.
Daugherty came up big tonight, amassing a monstrous statline with 18 points, 10 assists, and eight rebounds.
Lizzy Williamson anchored the Thunderbirds defense by registering a team-high four blocks.
First Half
Southern Utah jumped out to a 4-0 lead after back-to-back buckets by Jensen. The Wolverines bounced back, building a 14-8 advantage midway through the quarter. Following this, the Thunderbirds found their groove. A combination of stifling defense paired with electrifying offense powered a 13-2 run for the T-Birds to end the first quarter with a 21-16 advantage.
Jensen continued her offensive dominance in the second quarter, scoring five straight points for Southern Utah to give the T-Birds a 26-17 lead. UVU kept pressing its attack, taking a 32-30 advantage with under two minutes remaining in the half. Jensen tied the game with a layup, but the Wolverines managed to retake the lead with a free throw. In the waning seconds of the half, the ball wound up in the hands of Samantha Johnston, who swished a three pointer to secure a 35-33 SUU lead at halftime.
Second Half
The Thunderbirds started off hot to begin the third quarter. Daylani Ballena extended the 'Birds lead by scoring five straight points on the opening two possessions. The Wolverines hit consecutive baskets to get back within one point at 40-39. The T-Birds offense made a quick answer, with Johnston and Jensen each canning a three-pointer to keep the Wolverines at bay. Southern Utah found themselves ahead 52-44 after layups by Daugherty and Ashley Banks. It appeared that no lead was safe for long in this game. UVU mounted a ferocious 9-2 run to trim the SUU lead to a single point heading into the final period.
The fourth quarter was a back and forth affair. The Wolverines splashed a three-pointer to tie the game at 56-56. Southern Utah handled the pressure as Daugherty and Jensen each hit a layup to push the lead to four. Utah Valley replied with a 4-0 run to once again tie the game. Following a timeout, Daugherty drilled a crucial jumpshot to retake the lead. Daugherty kept her foot on the gas, and hit two free throws to make the score 64-60 in favor of the Thunderbirds. Utah Valley hit a jumper to stay within striking distance, but a huge three from Jensen would push the game out of reach. Southern Utah would go on to claim a 70-66 victory.
Up Next
Southern Utah will have a short turnaround as the Thunderbirds are set to host Sam Houston on Saturday. The game is scheduled to tip-off at 4:30 MT.
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