SALT LAKE CITY - The Southern Utah University women's basketball team opened the 2024-25 season against the University of Utah Utes, losing 105-52 at the Huntsman Center. Southern Utah falls to 0-1 on the season while the Utes improve to 1-0.
Head Coach Tracy Mason Said:
"Utah is a very good team. We knew that going in but we have to find ways to compete. We have a lot to work on and a team like Utah exposes all of those things. I was proud of our freshmen. Thrown into a big game like that and I thought they did some nice things."
Top T-Birds
- Sierra Chambers impressed in her collegiate debut, putting up a team-high 15 points with seven free throws.
- Ava Uhrich played a solid all-around game, posting nine points, five rebounds and one assist.
- Daylani Ballena led the defense, swiping two steals along with eight points.
Game Recap
First Half
The Thunderbirds opened the game strong with a balanced scoring attack from Sydney Gandy, Samantha Johnston and Sierra Chambers. However, the Utes used a 13-5 scoring run to take a 23-12 advantage at the end of the first.
Utah continued this momentum into the second, holding the Thunderbirds to only nine points in the frame. Chambers went 6-6 on free throws in the period to lead Southern Utah, as the team trailed 46-21 going into the half.
Second Half
SUU continued to spread the wealth into the third quarter, this time relying on points from Daylani Ballena and Ava Uhrich, but the Utes continued to pile it on, taking an 80-35 lead heading into the fourth.
The Thunderbirds opened the fourth with a 6-2 run from field goals by Olivia Malafu, Ballena, and Chambers. As the quarter progressed, freshmen Denver Anderson and Kortney Doman got in on the action, each scoring two points as Utah rolled on to a 105-52 win.
Notable Plays
Up Next
Southern Utah will stay on the road as the team heads to Alabama to take on the Jacksonville State Gamecocks on Saturday, Nov. 9. Tipoff is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. MT and fans can watch the game live on ESPN+.
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