CEDAR CITY, Utah - The Southern Utah University women's basketball team will begin the 2023-24 season with back-to-back home games. First up, Southern Utah hosts Eastern Washington on Wednesday, Nov. 8 at 6:30 p.m. MT. Then, the Thunderbirds welcome Western Kentucky to the America First Event Center on Friday, Nov. 10 at 6:30 p.m. MT.

GAME INFO

Southern Utah vs. Eastern Washington

    Date: Wednesday, Nov. 8

    Tip-off: 6:30 p.m. MT

    Live Stream | Live Stats

Southern Utah vs. Western Kentucky

    Date: Friday, Nov. 10

    Tip-off: 6:30 p.m. MT

    Live Stream | Live Stats

HEAD COACH TRACY MASON SAYS

"We are excited to get the season underway with two tough opponents at home this week. Eastern Washington is a preseason favorite for the Big Sky and returns a ton of talent. Western Kentucky is also a terrific team that will really look to push the tempo."

PREVIEW

SOUTHERN UTAH THUNDERBIRDS

Southern Utah women's basketball is fresh off of its most successful season in program history. The Thunderbirds finished last season with a 23-10 record, including the most conference victories in program history with a 16-2 effort in Western Athletic Conference play. 

SUU took the WAC by storm last year, clinching the regular season and tournament championships. Southern Utah punched its ticket to the program's first ever NCAA Tournament appearance, where the Thunderbirds took on the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in the first round.

Expectations are high for SUU following its historic year. The Thunderbirds were picked to finish second overall in the WAC Preseason Coaches' Poll this season, receiving five first place votes.

Southern Utah welcomes back three of its top scorers from its championship roster. Megan Smith (11.3), Daylani Ballena (11.1), and Samantha Johnston (8.1) helped lead the 'Birds in points per game a season ago and are poised to maintain their offensive excellence for the team this season.

CHAMPIONSHIP BANNER UNVEILING

The Thunderbirds will be raising their conference championship banner prior to the season opener against Eastern Washington on Wednesday, Nov. 8.

SCOUTING REPORT: EASTERN WASHINGTON EAGLES

• The Eagles are led by junior small forward Jaydia Martin, who averaged 16.1 points per game last season.

• Expectations are high for EWU in 2023-24, as the team was predicted to finish first overall in the Big Sky preseason coaches' poll. 

• Eastern Washington posted a 19-11 record last year, including an 11-7 slate in conference play.

SCOUTING REPORT: WESTERN KENTUCKY LADY TOPPERS

• Western Kentucky returns its leading scorer in Acacia Hayes, who poured in 11.2 points a season ago.

• Preseason polls picked WKU to finish second overall in Conference USA this season.

• The Lady Toppers are coming off a successful 2023-24 season where they earned a 19-14 finish with a 14-6 record in conference play.

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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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