ST. GEORGE, Utah - The Southern Utah University women's basketball team competed against Utah Tech at Burns Arena on Thursday, Jan. 18, falling 78-71. The Thunderbirds move to 4-11 overall and 2-4 in Western Athletic Conference play, while the Trailblazers improve to 9-8 and 3-3 in WAC play.
HEAD COACH TRACY MASON SAYS
"We didn't give up and I'm proud of their fight, but we need more people to step up. We're in a position where we need people to mature quickly and take advantage of the opportunity they're going to get with a small roster. I was really impressed with Alexandra. She had really good minutes and that's how you earn more. We need more people to play hungry."
T-BIRD TIDBITS
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The Thunderbirds won the rebounding battle by a wide margin, corralling 45 boards compared to only 36 by the Trailblazers. Additionally, SUU dominated the offensive glass, tallying 17 offense rebounds while holding Utah Tech to only five boards.
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Daylani Ballena led the Thunderbirds' attack, scoring 23 points on 10-20 shooting from the field. In addition, Ballena contributed four rebounds, three assists, and three steals.
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Ava Uhrich achieved her fourth double-double of the season and third in WAC play, recording 17 points and 12 rebounds
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Alexa Lord was the second T-Bird to record a double-double, pulling down a career-high 13 rebounds to go along with 12 points.
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Samantha Johnston posted a season-best three blocks in addition to adding nine points and six rebounds.
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Alexandra Eldredge scored a career-high six points on 3-5 shooting off the bench.
GAME RECAP
First Half
The two squads traded baskets as Utah Tech took a 13-9 lead midway through the first quarter. After the Trailblazers extended their lead to 25-14, Ava Uhrich knocked down back-to-back three pointers to get the 'Birds within five, 25-20. The Trailblazers held a 28-20 advantage heading into the second quarter.
Utah Tech opened the second period with an 8-3 stretch to go up 36-23 with 4:04 left in the first half. Daylani Ballena and Uhrich combined for nine of the next 12 points to cut Utah Tech's lead back to single digits, 39-32, at the break.
Second Half
Ballena and Uhrich stayed hot to begin the third quarter as they fueled a 6-2 spurt to cut the Trailblazers lead to 41-38 with 7:40 on the clock. Utah Tech responded with a 21-9 sprint to close the period to take a 62-47 lead approaching the final frame.
Alexa Lord and Alexandra Eldredge combined for 14 points as the Thunderbirds outscored the Trailblazers 24-16 in the period. However, the comeback effort fell just short as Utah Tech prevailed with a 78-71 victory.
NOTABLE PLAYS
UP NEXT
The Thunderbirds will wrap up their road trip on Saturday, Jan. 20 against California Baptist. The game is scheduled to tip-off at 2 p.m. MT.
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