CEDAR CITY, Utah - Freshman Ava Uhrich poured in a double-double with 18 points and 14 rebounds as the Southern Utah University women's basketball team fell to California Baptist 79-66 on Tuesday, Nov. 28 at the America First Event Center. The Thunderbirds move to 1-4 on the season and 0-1 in Western Athletic Conference play, while the Lancers improve to 6-0 overall and 1-0 in WAC play.
HEAD COACH TRACY MASON SAYS
"Just a tough loss tonight. We have to stay hungry and motivated as a team. I think that was probably one of the best teams in the conference and we competed well for a little over a half. We have to be ready for the next one."
Link to Full Post-Game Interview
TOP T-BIRDS
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Ava Uhrich was a force to be reckoned with, amassing 18 points and 14 rebounds to lead the Thunderbirds.
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Daylani Ballena helped fuel the offense with 16 points to go along with three assists and two steals.
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Megan Smith played a great all-around game with 12 points, five rebounds, three assists and a season-high four blocks.
GAME RECAP
First Half
The two squads matched each other basket for basket in a back-and-forth first quarter. Ava Uhrich, Daylani Ballena, and Samantha Johnston combined for all 17 of Southern Utah's points in the period, as the team held a three-point advantage (17-14) heading into the second quarter of play.
Southern Utah started off strong in the second period, using a 5-0 burst to take a 21-14 lead early in the quarter. The Lancers battled back with an 18-10 stretch to briefly jump in front by one, 32-31, with 2:45 remaining in the first half. Uhrich drilled a three pointer on the ensuing possession to help the Thunderbirds take a 34-32 advantage at the break.
Second Half
California Baptist came out hot to start the second half, outscoring Southern Utah 23-16 in the third quarter. Megan Smith led the 'Birds with seven points as the Lancers took a 55-50 lead heading into the final period of play.
The Lancers went on a 15-5 run over the first 5:20 of the fourth quarter to go up 70-55. The Thunderbirds used an 11-4 burst to get within eight, 74-66, but it wasn't enough as the Lancers would go on to claim a 79-66 victory.
NOTABLE PLAYS
UP NEXT
Southern Utah will host another WAC opponent this week as Seattle U travels to the America First Event Center on Saturday, Dec. 2. The game is scheduled to tip-off at 2 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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