BOULDER, Colo. - The Southern Utah University women's basketball team drops to 1-9 after their 76-59 loss against former Thunderbird head coach JR Payne and her University of Colorado Buffs on Saturday, Dec. 7 in Boulder, Colo. The Buffs bump their record to 8-2 with the win.

Head Coach Tracy Mason Said:

"I thought we played hard for 40 minutes. We had a stretch in the second quarter where we gave up too many transition points. I thought Syd played really well. She's giving 100% effort right now and we need that from some more people."

Top T-Birds

• Sydney Gandy once again led the Thunderbird offense, scoring 11 points and shooting 42.9% from the perimeter.

• Daylani Ballena also scored 11, adding three steals on the defensive end.

• Leading the team in rebounding with five boards, Jaeden Brown also contributed six points and two blocks.

Game Recap

First Half

The Thunderbirds kicked off the game on a hot streak from the perimeter, with three-point baskets from both Gandy and Samantha Johnston. Lexi Bull and Sierra Chambers capitalized with points on takeaways to keep the quarter close before two late scores from Brown cut the Buffs' lead to 22-18.

Despite a seven-point second quarter from Ballena, the Buffs pulled away in the second quarter, making it a 47-31 game after a 19-6 run.

Second Half

Both teams ratcheted up their defensive effort in the third, with only 22 points being put on the board between both teams. Freshman Olivia Malafu performed well in the paint, scoring on two dishes from Gandy.

With the score at 59-41, the Thunderbirds offense started humming again, with a well-spread attack led by Gandy and freshman Kortney Doman taking the lead to piece together 18 points. However, the Buffs' second quarter gave them enough cushion to keep their comfortable lead and take the win.

Highlights

Sydney kicks off the game with 3️⃣!

📺: @espn pic.twitter.com/u3mhTwKt2b
— SUU Women's Basketball (@SUUWBasketball) December 7, 2024
 

Sierra as the shot clock ticks down ⬇️

📺: @espn pic.twitter.com/j2yQ6oTNjs
— SUU Women's Basketball (@SUUWBasketball) December 7, 2024
 

Dayla for the TRIPLE 🎯

📺: @espn pic.twitter.com/lhkEOloJQO
— SUU Women's Basketball (@SUUWBasketball) December 7, 2024
 

Southern Utah BATTLING for the basket 💪

📺: @espn pic.twitter.com/bEWiub5QZ1
— SUU Women's Basketball (@SUUWBasketball) December 7, 2024
 

Sydney and Via trying to spark up the offense 🔥

📺: @espn pic.twitter.com/VpRLvDLGoY
— SUU Women's Basketball (@SUUWBasketball) December 7, 2024
 

Deja vu 😵‍💫

📺: @espn pic.twitter.com/jzgEccDN68
— SUU Women's Basketball (@SUUWBasketball) December 7, 2024
 

Quarter 4️⃣ starts with 3️⃣😮‍💨

📺: @espn pic.twitter.com/vCSzRdIC27
— SUU Women's Basketball (@SUUWBasketball) December 7, 2024
 

Ashley with the REJECTION ✋🛑

📺: @espn pic.twitter.com/8NdsjPeDYE
— SUU Women's Basketball (@SUUWBasketball) December 7, 2024
 

Up Next

The Thunderbirds will return home to host Sam Houston State University on Monday, Dec. 16, at 6:30 p.m. The game will be broadcast live on ESPN+.

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Season tickets, mini packages, and single-game tickets are now available! Get yours today by visiting tbirdtickets.com.

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