CEDAR CITY, Utah - Daylani Ballena poured in a team-high 18 points as the Southern Utah University women's basketball team fell to Western Kentucky 76-62 on Friday, Nov. 10 at the America First Event Center. The Thunderbirds move to 0-2 on the young season, while the Lady Toppers improve to 2-0 overall.
HEAD COACH TRACY MASON SAYS
"Just a tough game, there are many things we can learn from tonight. That's what you play these games for, it's an opportunity for us to continue to strive to get better."
Link to Full Post-Game Interview
TOP T-BIRDS
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Daylani Ballena led the Thunderbirds with 18 points on 50 percent shooting from the field to go along with a team-high three steals.
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Ava Uhrich posted an impressive all-around game as she led the squad in rebounds (8) and assists (4). Uhrich also added 10 points to help power the Thunderbirds' offense.
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Samantha Johnston and Megan Smith contributed significantly offensively, with each player registering 10 points for the T-Birds.
GAME RECAP
First Half
The Lady Toppers came out strong as they took a 9-2 lead to start the game. Southern Utah responded with an 8-0 run sparked by four points from Megan Smith to push the Thunderbirds in front by one, 10-9, with 2:38 left in the first quarter. Western Kentucky held a 14-12 advantage heading into the second period of play.
Charli Kay had a personal 5-0 burst to give Southern Utah a 17-14 lead early in the second quarter. However, the Lady Topper's used a 13-0 sprint to go up 27-17 with 3:08 remaining in the first half. The Thunderbirds fought back to get within five, 29-24, at the break.
Second Half
Western Kentucky stayed aggressive, outscoring Southern Utah 25-17 in the third quarter to take a 54-41 advantage approaching the final frame.
The T-Birds started the fourth quarter with a 13-10 run to get within 10 points (64-54) with 5:45 remaining, but that was as close as they would get. Daylani Ballena added nine points in the fourth quarter for the Thunderbirds as the Lady Toppers claimed a 76-62 victory.
NOTABLE PLAYS
UP NEXT
The Thunderbirds continue their homestand as they are set to host Alaska Fairbanks on Wednesday, Nov. 15 at the America First Event Center. The game is scheduled to begin at 6:30 p.m. MT.
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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.
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