CEDAR CITY, Utah - Daylani Ballena poured in 21 points as the Southern Utah University women's basketball team fell to UT Arlington 78-70 on Wednesday night at the America First Event Center. The Thunderbirds move to 7-18 overall and 5-11 in Western Athletic Conference play, while the Lady Mavs improve to 14-12 on the season and 10-6 in conference play.
HEAD COACH TRACY MASON SAYS
"I thought we played a lot better in the second half. If we could have made a run a bit sooner and started off a little better, I think we could have been right there. It's a tough loss."
Link to Full Post-Game Interview
T-BIRD TIDBITS
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The Thunderbirds outscored the Lady Mavs 38-30 in the paint.
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Southern Utah outperformed UT Arlington in several statistical categories, recording more rebounds (42-41), assists (16-12), and blocks (8-5).
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It was a total team effort on the offensive end as seven T-Birds registered a field goal.
TOP T-BIRDS
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Daylani Ballena led the way with a team-high 21 points on 8-16 shooting from the field. This marks the fourth time Ballena has surpassed 20 points in a game this season.
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Ashley Banks recorded 13 points along with eight rebounds.
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Samantha Johnston played a great all-around game, totaling 11 points, five rebounds, and a team-best six assists.
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Ava Uhrich added eight points and led the squad with nine rebounds.
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Johnston and Banks played stifling defense, each tallying three blocks.
GAME RECAP
First Half
After neither team was able to score a bucket in the opening two minutes, the Lady Mavs were able to take a 24-8 advantage at the end of the first quarter.
Daylani Ballena led the 'Birds with six points in the second quarter as UT Arlington took a 44-27 lead at the break.
Second Half
The two squads traded baskets to start the second half, with UT Arlington narrowly outscoring Southern Utah 21-20 in the period. Ashley Banks led the team with six points in the quarter as the 'Birds trailed 65-47 approaching the final period of play.
Ballena powered a ferocious comeback effort, adding 11 points to spark a 23-11 run by the Thunderbirds to cut the lead to 76-70 with 19 seconds remaining in the game. However, UT Arlington was able to hold on and claim a 78-70 victory.
NOTABLE PLAYS
UP NEXT
The Thunderbirds will hit the road as they head to Texas to take on Abilene Christian on Thursday, Feb. 29. The game is scheduled 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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