CEDAR CITY, Utah - After upsetting a talented Cal Baptist University team for their second Western Athletic Conference win, the Southern Utah University women's basketball team will return home for showdowns with the University of Texas at Arlington Mavericks on Thursday, Jan. 30 and the Tarleton State University Texans on Saturday, Feb. 1. 

The matchup on Thursday, sponsored by Ace Hardware, will be a throwback night where fans will wear gear from SUU's past, and Saturday's game, sponsored by Firehouse Subs, will be themed as a western night.

Head Coach Tracy Mason Said:

"We've played both Tarleton and UTA already, so we have an idea of what to expect. This week, we're excited to be at home for a second chance to compete and improve against both teams."

Game One Details

Who: Southern Utah University (4-15, 2-4 WAC) vs University of Texas at Arlington (10-7, 5-1 WAC)

When: Thursday, January 30 at 6:30 p.m.

Where: America First Event Center, Cedar City

Watch: ESPN+

Live Stats: HERE

Game Two Details

Who: Southern Utah University (4-15, 2-4 WAC) vs Tarleton State University (12-9, 3-3 WAC)

When: Saturday, February 1 at 2:00 p.m.

Where: America First Event Center, Cedar City

Watch: ESPN+

Live Stats: HERE

Matchup History

• The Thunderbirds are searching for their first win against UTA, which currently holds a 6-0 record against Southern Utah. In their earlier matchup of the 2024-2025 season, SUU lost to the Mavericks 78-54.

• Southern Utah holds a 2-3 all-time record against Tarleton, having lost their game earlier this season 64-53.

The Thunderbirds

SUU looks to carry energy from last week's 64-63 fourth-quarter comeback win over the Cal Baptist Lancers into their games this week. Southern Utah scored the most points they have since the start of conference play, and the game showcased their strongest shooting performance against a Division I team all season, with 41% accuracy from the field.

The Thunderbirds' focused passing attack and paint presence have remained primary team strengths through early conference play. They hold the No. 2 rebounding margin in WAC games at +3.17 and the fourth most assists with 15.5 per conference game.

With 16 rebounds against the Lancers, Lexi Bull has emerged as a dominant force in the rebounding contest, sitting at No. 3 in the WAC in rebounds per game (9.0) since starting conference play. Meanwhile, Daylani Ballena has found her groove as Southern Utah's leading scorer with 10.2 points per game, piling on 20 last Saturday in the SUU win over CBU. The passing attack runs through Ballena, who ranks third in the WAC in assists per conference game (4.5).

Scouting Report

UT Arlington Mavericks

The 10-7 Mavericks currently hold second place in the WAC with a 5-1 conference record, coming off a 71-52 win over Abilene Christian University. UTA boasts a strong scoring attack, sitting second in the WAC in PPG. However, perimeter shooting is their weakness, shooting the least efficiently of all conference teams.

Koi Love, the WAC's No. 2 scorer with 17.7 PPG, scored 18 in her last game against the Thunderbirds. Defensively, she's top three in the WAC in both steals and blocks. In addition, Avery Brittingham is the No. 2 rebounder in the WAC with 9.1 rebounds per game.

Tarleton State Texans

The Texans have started their season strong with a 12-9 overall record and a 3-3 conference record. Yet, Tarleton has a 2-6 away record and has yet to defeat a conference opponent on the road. Their strength lies in their defense, which has held opposing teams to just 57.5 PPG.

Southern Utah will look to slow down TSU's Arieona Rosborough, who impressively leads the team in PPG with 12.6, rebounds per game with 6.0 and assists per game with 2.7.

Tickets

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

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