EL PASO, Texas - The Southern Utah University women's basketball team competed against the University of Texas at El Paso on Saturday, Dec. 30 at the Don Haskins Center, falling 89-62. The Thunderbirds move to 3-8 overall, while the Miners improve to 5-8 on the season.
HEAD COACH TRACY MASON SAYS
"I was disappointed with our toughness on both ends of the floor. The tougher team won tonight. We've got work to do this week to get ready for the start of conference play. We need to be better."
TOP T-BIRDS
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Ava Uhrich led the way for Southern Utah, racking up 15 points, nine rebounds, one assist, one block, and one steal.
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Samantha Johnston scored 13 points to go along with a team-high three steals.
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Daylani Ballena was the third T-Bird to score in double figures, recording 11 points in addition to compiling four rebounds, two assists, and one steal.
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Charli Kay led the team with four assists.
GAME RECAP
First Half
The Miners built a 6-2 lead to start the game. The Thunderbirds fought back from the early deficit, with Ava Uhrich splashing a trey and Megan Smith connecting on a layup to give SUU a 7-6 lead with 5:30 remaining in the first frame. UTEP bounced back with a 12-4 stretch to take an 18-11 lead at the end of the first quarter.
The two squads took turns exchanging baskets early in the second period as the Thunderbirds trimmed the lead to six, 22-16, with 7:00 on the clock. However, the Miners would score nine of the next 11 points to jump in front 31-18. UTEP held a 36-23 advantage at the break.
Second Half
The third quarter was a back-and-forth affair as the Miners would outscore the Thunderbirds 27-24. Samantha Johnston and Charli Kay combined for 15 points in the period to fuel Southern Utah's attack as UTEP led 63-47 heading into the final frame.
Uhrich led the charge for the Thunderbirds in the fourth quarter, recording seven points while shooting perfect from the field. However, the lead proved to be insurmountable as the Miners claimed an 89-62 victory.
NOTABLE HIGHLIGHTS
UP NEXT
The Thunderbirds will stay on the road as they travel to face Western Athletic Conference foe Grand Canyon on Thursday, Jan. 4. The game is scheduled to begin at 6 p.m. MT.
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.
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