CEDAR CITY, Utah - After concluding their preseason with a strong 8-4 record, the Southern Utah women's basketball team will tip off Western Athletic Conference play with a rivalry showdown against Utah Tech. The Thunderbirds will remain at home in the America First Event Center to face the 5-5 Trailblazers at 6:30 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 29.
Head Coach Tracy Mason said:
"We're excited to start conference play this Monday. Utah Tech is always a battle, so it will be nice to host the Trailblazers at home first. We're all 0-0 in WAC play, so it's important we use this game to set the tone for the rest of our season."
Game Details
Who: Southern Utah (8-4) vs Utah Tech (5-5)
When: Monday, December 29, at 6:30 p.m.
Where: America First Event Center
Watch: ESPN+
Live Stats: HERE
Matchup History
- The Thunderbirds hold a 13-7 all-time record against the Trailblazers. Last year, Southern Utah completed the sweep with a close 69-66 win on the road and a dominant 78-51 win at home. In the Cedar City triumph, now-sophomore Sierra Chambers led the team from the bench with a season-high 16 points on five made triples.
The Thunderbirds
After splitting their back-to-back games at the LMU Christmas Classic, Southern Utah closes its preseason with a WAC-leading 8-4 overall record. However, all teams begin conference play with a 0-0 WAC record, so anything is on the table as 2026 comes into view. It's critical that the Thunderbirds maintain their composure as they enter the most meaningful games of their campaign.
SUU boasts the most potent scoring offense in the WAC, totalling 78.6 points per game. They have executed with surgical precision, ranking first in the conference from the field at 43.7%, second from the three-point line at 33.9%, and first from the charity stripe at 74.8%. Southern Utah also posts a WAC-leading average of 16.1 assists.
While their excellence on the offensive side of the ball has drawn significant focus, the Thunderbirds' defense has been remarkably sound for such a young team. Ranking third among WAC defenses, they hold their opponents to a solid 65.4 points per game. More impressively, they lead the conference in rebounds per game with 43 and have a hefty +9.8 margin at the glass.
Junior Ava Uhirch leads this effort in the paint, raking in a conference-high average of 8.8 rebounds. Adding to an undeniable presence underneath the basket, junior Brooklyn Fely and sophomore Kortney Doman both rank in the WAC's top ten rebounders.
Meanwhile, the emerging Chambers continues to prove herself as a consistent scorer, ranking third in the conference with 15.4 points per game. Her exemplary 89.7% accuracy from the free-throw line ranks first in the WAC and 17th in the nation.
Scouting Report
Utah Tech Trailblazers
Due to an incredible preseason for WAC teams, Utah Tech's middling 5-5 record ranks them sixth among the seven teams in the conference. In their last game, they skillfully tallied 47 rebounds and 20 assists, earning a 69-55 win over Chicago State.
The Trailblazers have been firing from deep, draining 7.5 triples per game. However, the Thunderbirds will look to capitalize on a struggling defense that has allowed a WAC-high 67.3 points per game.
Senior Kaylee Borden racks up an average of 16.1 points per game, placing her second in the conference. Directing the passing attack and also ranking second in the WAC, senior Chardonnay Hartley posts 4.8 assists per game.
Tickets
Season tickets, mini packages, and single-game tickets are now available! Get yours today by visiting tbirdtickets.com.
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