CEDAR CITY, Utah - The Southern Utah University women's basketball team earned their first Western Athletic Conference win of the season, downing Seattle U at home in a 61-57 nailbiter on Jan. 18. The Thunderbirds jump to 3-14 on the season and 1-3 in the WAC, while the Redhawks fall to 3-14 with a 0-4 conference record.
Top T-Birds
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Ava Uhrich scored 15 points, adding six rebounds and a career-high six assists.
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Sinking three triples, Samantha Johnston totaled 12 points and six rebounds.
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Lexi Bull commanded the boards, bringing down nine rebounds and putting up seven points.
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As a team, the Thunderbirds recorded 20 assists on 23 baskets.
Head Coach Tracy Mason Said:
Game Recap
First Half
Southern Utah opened the game rolling, with multiple Lexi Bull buckets and a three from Samantha Johnston pushing the Thunderbirds to a 9-3 lead. Seattle U pieced together a run of their own, stealing the lead, but a late set of first-quarter baskets from Ava Uhrich kept it to a close 20-16 game.
To open the second quarter, the Thunderbirds battled back, with a layup from freshman Denver Anderson eventually taking the lead. Despite four additional points from Uhrich to make for an 11-point first half, the back-and-forth duel ended with the Redhawks ahead 29-28.
Second Half
Daylani Ballena kicked off the half with a three and a diving layup, and the Thunderbirds held the lead through the remainder of the third quarter. Heading into the final quarter, a triple from Sydney Gandy kept SUU in the lead, up 43-42.
Samantha Johnston drained two threes in addition to one from Uhrich, fending off a strong Seattle U comeback attempt. Sydney Gandy's perfection from the free-throw line kept SUU in front, sealing the win at 61-57.
Highlights
Up Next
The Thunderbirds will travel to Phoenix for their rematch against Grand Canyon University on Thursday, Jan. 23, at 6:00 p.m. The game will be broadcast live on ESPN+.
Tickets
Season tickets, mini packages, and single-game tickets are now available! Get yours today by visiting tbirdtickets.com.
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