CEDAR CITY, Utah - The Southern Utah University women's basketball team will host Pac-12 foe No. 11 University of Utah at the America First Event Center on Saturday, Dec. 16 at 5 p.m. MT.
GAME INFO
Southern Utah vs. Utah
Date: Saturday, Dec. 16
Tip-off: 5:00 p.m. MT
Live Stream | Live Stats
HEAD COACH TRACY MASON SAYS
"Utah is one of the top teams in the country. We're excited to have the opportunity to play them on our home court. They have a lot of weapons and are playing really well right now so we'll have to bring our best game and be ready to go."
TOYS FOR TOTS TICKET DEAL
Fans can get into Saturday's game for only $2 if they bring a new and unwrapped toy to the doors prior to the game. Free hot cocoa and donuts given to the first 200 fans in the doors.
In addition, the Teddy Bear Toss is scheduled for halftime. Fans are encouraged to bring a teddy bear with them to the game and throw it onto the court at the break. All toys donated will go to Toys for Tots.
T-BIRD TIDBITS
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Daylani Ballena powers the Thunderbirds' attack with 15.9 points and 3.5 assists per game.
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Megan Smith scores 15.6 points each game in addition to leading the team in rebounds (6.6) and blocks (2.0) per game.
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Ava Uhrich contributes 11.6 points and 6.5 boards each game.
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The Thunderbirds score 68.3 points each game while holding their opponents to only 67.4.
LAST TIME OUT
Southern Utah vs. New Mexico
First Half
Charli Kay opened the Thunderbirds' attack, drilling a three pointer at the 9:05 mark in the first quarter. After the Lobos briefly took a 5-3 lead, a pair of triples from Ava Uhrich and Samantha Johnston sparked a 15-4 run that gave SUU a 18-9 advantage heading into the second period of play.
Daylani Ballena and Megan Smith sparked a 6-0 burst to push SUU in front 24-9 with 7:18 left in the first half. New Mexico battled back, scoring nine of the next 12 points to get back within single digits, 24-16, midway through the quarter. A balanced attack offensively helped the T-Birds stretch their lead to 33-21 at the break.
Second Half
Ballena and Uhrich came out hot to start the second half, fueling a 7-3 run to extend the lead to 40-24 with 7:11 on the clock. The two squads traded baskets for the rest of the period, with SUU holding a 46-33 lead at the end of the third quarter.
Southern Utah stayed aggressive in the final frame, using a 9-2 sprint to claim a 55-35 lead with 4:29 remaining in the game. The lead proved to be insurmountable, as the Thunderbirds cruised to the finish line with a 58-40 victory.
SCOUTING REPORT: UTAH UTES
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Utah is currently 8-2 after coming off a loss to No. 1 South Carolina.
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The Utes score 93.5 points per game, while limiting their opponents to only 57.8.
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Alissa Pili averages 24.6 points and 5.3 points per game for the Utes.
HISTORY
The Utes own a 13-2 all-time record against the Thunderbirds.
FOLLOW US
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.
DONATE
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