PHOENIX, Ariz. - The Southern Utah University women's basketball team fell to Grand Canyon 78-60 on Thursday, Jan. 4 at Global Credit Union Arena. The Thunderbirds move to 3-9 overall and 1-2 in Western Athletic Conference play, while the Antelopes improve to 11-3 on the season and 3-0 in WAC play.
HEAD COACH TRACY MASON SAYS
"We're obviously down a few people right now. GCU took advantage of that inside but I thought we adjusted and played much better in the second half. I was proud of our effort in the second half, but we need to have that for 40 complete minutes."
TOP T-BIRDS
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Daylani Ballena paced the Thunderbirds' offense with 16 points and five assists.
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Ava Uhrich scored 11 points to go along with six rebounds and a team-high two steals.
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Alexa Lord hustled for SUU, recording nine points, six rebounds, and one block.
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Samantha Johnston connected on three shots from behind the arc to tally nine points.
GAME RECAP
First Half
The Thunderbirds relied on a balanced scoring attack in the first half. Shiho Isono led the team with six points, while five other T-Birds registered a field goal. The Antelopes held a 47-19 lead at the halftime break.
Second Half
Southern Utah came out strong in the second half. Daylani Ballena poured in 12 points and four assists in the third quarter to bolster the Thunderbirds' attack. GCU led 65-40 heading into the fourth quarter.
Ava Uhrich and Samantha Johnston combined for 13 points in the final frame as the Thunderbirds outscored the Antelopes 20-13 in the quarter. However, Grand Canyon's lead proved insurmountable, as the Antelopes claimed a 78-60 victory.
NOTABLE PLAYS
UP NEXT
Southern Utah will return to the America First Event Center to host in-state rival Utah Valley on Saturday, Jan. 6. The game is slated to begin at 5 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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