CEDAR CITY, Utah - Following their crucial Western Athletic Conference win over Seattle University, the Southern Utah University women's basketball team will travel to Phoenix to face the Grand Canyon University Lopes on Thursday, Jan. 23. On Saturday, Jan. 25, the Thunderbirds will continue their road trip against the Cal Baptist University Lancers in Riverside, Calif.

Head Coach Tracy Mason Said:

"We just played GCU, so I think we have a good idea of what they want to do and what we need to improve on to have a better outcome this time around. CBU is playing really good basketball right now. Transition defense and taking care of the ball are going to be two big keys this week."

Game One Details

Who: Southern Utah University (3-14, 1-3 WAC) vs Grand Canyon University (17-2, 4-0 WAC)

When: Thursday, January 23 at 6:00 p.m.

Where: Global Credit Union Arena, Phoenix, Arizona

Watch: ESPN+

Live Stats: HERE

Game Two Details

Who: Southern Utah University (3-14, 1-3 WAC) vs Cal Baptist University (6-12, 3-1 WAC)

When: Saturday, January 25 at 2:00 p.m.

Where: Dale E. and Sarah Ann Fowler Events Center, Riverside, California

Watch: ESPN+

Live Stats: HERE

Matchup History

• GCU won their matchup with SUU earlier this season in Cedar City 75-57, evening their head-to-head record to 7-7.

• The Thunderbirds have a 4-3 record against CBU, having lost their two games against the Lancers last season.

The Thunderbirds

Southern Utah looks to carry the momentum from their first conference win into their upcoming slate of difficult games. In their 61-57 victory over the Seattle U Redhawks, the Thunderbirds racked up 44 rebounds and 20 assists on 23 baskets.

This passing game has consistently been a strength, with SUU ranking No. 4 in the WAC in assists. Southern Utah has also looked solid in the paint, sitting at No. 5 in both offensive and defensive rebounds per game. After a five-block performance against the Redhawks, the Thunderbirds average just over three blocks a game.

Lexi Bull has headlined this SUU presence under the hoop, sitting at No. 5 in the WAC in rebounds per game (8.0) since starting conference play. Meanwhile, Daylani Ballena has captained the passing attack, ranking fifth in the WAC in assists per conference game (4.8).

Scouting Report

Grand Canyon University Lopes

The 17-2 Lopes ride a 15-game winning streak and hold an undefeated conference record, hammering home the reason for their spot as the No. 1 team in the preseason 2024-25 WAC Women's Basketball Coaches Poll. The sharpshooters have the highest-scoring offense and second-best defense in the conference.

In GCU's last matchup with SUU, Alyssa Durazo-Frescas and Laura Erikstrup proved to be their primary threats, scoring 21 and 15 points, respectively. Both are top-five scorers in the WAC, presenting a one-two punch that will be tough to counter.

Cal Baptist University Lancers

Only behind GCU in the preseason poll, CBU currently sits in second place in the conference standings. Despite their 6-12 record, the Lancers are 3-1 since starting conference play, shooting outstandingly from the perimeter. Southern Utah will look to exploit a Cal Baptist defense that has allowed over 70 PPG this season.

Averaging 14.3 PPG, Grace Schmidt leads the scoring for her team, No. 3 in rebounding in the WAC. Tu'ua Aniyah, who also averages over ten PPG, ranks second in the conference in assists with 5.7 per game.

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