CEDAR CITY, Utah - The Southern Utah University women's basketball team kept it neck-and-neck at the beginning of a tight game with a talented Grand Canyon University Lopes team but ultimately dropped the Jan. 4 game 75-57 at home. The loss in their first conference game means Southern Utah dropped to 0-1 in the Western Athletic Conference and 2-12 on the year. Meanwhile, the Lopes extend to a 14-2 overall record and 1-0 in the WAC.
Top T-Birds
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Lexi Bull nearly reached a double-double, scoring a team-high 12 points, nine rebounds and two blocks.
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Off the bench, Kortney Doman drained both of her shots from the field and chipped in six rebounds.
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Sydney Gandy scored ten points in the second half after being held scoreless in the first.
Head Coach Tracy Mason Said:
Game Recap
First Half
With a strong opening quarter highlighted by two Samatha Johnston triples, Southern Utah made an early statement, battling back and forth with GCU's strong offense. Freshman Sierra Chambers scored her first points of the day to keep SUU within one point heading into the break.
In the second quarter, the Lopes burst out to a small lead, but scores from Daylani Ballena and Doman cut the GCU lead to three with three minutes left. A couple of Grand Canyon scores made it a 28-22 game at the half.
Second Half
The Lopes came into the second half rolling, starting with a 9-0 run, but a score from Ava Uhrich finally broke their momentum. Despite a 23-point quarter from GCU, Gandy caught fire, draining two threes in her eight-point quarter and keeping the game to a manageable 51-39 score.
Doman cut the Grand Canyon lead to ten right out of the gate with a jumper in the fourth quarter. Despite strong bench play including a three from Chambers, the Thunderbirds couldn't keep up, sliding to a 75-57 loss.
Highlights
Up Next
The Thunderbirds will hit the road for a two-game trip to Texas, starting off against Tarleton State University on Thursday, Jan. 9 at 2:00 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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