CEDAR CITY, Utah - Making a statement with an impressive upset, the Southern Utah women's basketball team rolled to a 77-64 win over Washington State. The Thunderbirds dominated the glass, outrebounding the Cougars 47-25 to cement a 2-0 season start and prevent the 0-3 Cougars from finding their first success of the season.
Top T-Birds
- Junior Brooklyn Fely logged her second double-double of the young season, piling up 20 points and 13 rebounds.
- Crashing the glass, junior Ava Uhrich brought down nine boards to accompany 11 points.
- Sophomore Sierra Chambers locked up two new career highs, tallying 17 points and six assists.
Head Coach Tracy Mason Said:
Game Recap
First Half
The Thunderbirds tipped off the game with an aggressive plan, cashing in on three early Fely baskets and a triple from freshman Devyn Kiernan as part of a 13-6 run. Washington State pushed back within range, but two layups from Chambers kept the Thunderbirds on top 21-19.
Buckets from Uhrich and senior Ashley Banks opened a defensive second quarter in which Southern Utah held the Cougars to only nine. Just before halftime, sophomore Olivia Malafu scored a second-chance layup to extend the lead to 34-28.
Second Half
Washington State pieced together a strong 8-0 run, snatching the lead in the third and forcing a Thunderbirds timeout. However, an arcing three from Chambers jumpstarted SUU's shooting. Two layups from Fely and a triple from sophomore Kortney Doman immediately followed as part of a 10-0 run. Southern Utah continued making it rain with scorching shooting as they wrapped the quarter up 55-47.
With the momentum in SUU's favor, Kiernan dropped a second three from deep, pushing the Thunderbirds to a 13-point lead. The Cougars amped up their scoring, but Southern Utah's outstanding offense couldn't be stopped as they cruised to a 77-64 triumph.
Highlights
Up Next
The Thunderbirds will tackle their first road contest of the season against future Big Sky Conference opponent Eastern Washington University in Cheney, Wash., on Thursday, Nov. 13, at 7:00 p.m. The game can be viewed 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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