CEDAR CITY, Utah - The Southern Utah University women's basketball team will remain on the road for matchups with Utah-dwelling Western Athletic Conference rivals: Utah Tech University and Utah Valley University. On Thursday, Feb. 13, the Thunderbirds will take on the Trailblazers before a showdown with the Wolverines on Feb. 15.
Head Coach Tracy Mason Said:
"We're looking forward to a week where we won't have to travel far. This week's games will be important to our standings as the season wraps up, so we need to compete for forty minutes and clean up our execution tomorrow and Saturday."
Game One Details
Who: Southern Utah University (4-19, 2-8 WAC) vs Utah Tech University (5-16, 1-7 WAC)
When: Thursday, February 13 at 7:00 p.m.
Where: Burns Arena, St. George, Utah
Watch: ESPN+
Live Stats: HERE
Game Two Details
Who: Southern Utah University (4-19, 2-8 WAC) vs Utah Valley University (13-9, 5-5 WAC)
When: Saturday, February 15 at 2:00 p.m.
Where: Lockhart Arena, Orem, Utah
Watch: ESPN+
Live Stats: HERE
Matchup History
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Southern Utah holds an 11-7 record when facing UTU, with an even 2-2 record since joining the WAC.
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With a 19-9 all-time record against the Wolverines, the Thunderbirds currently ride a four-game winning streak. SUU won the last matchup in a 67-66 double-overtime thriller, with current players Samantha Johnston, Daylani Ballena and Ava Uhrich combining for 50 points.
The Thunderbirds
For Southern Utah, performance under the hoop continues to be a strength, with SUU ranking No. 5 in the WAC in blocked shots, offensive rebounds, and defensive rebounds. The passing attack also remains an important factor in the Thunderbird game plan, with the team averaging 14.8 assists per game.
Daylani Ballena serves as the leader of this passing attack as well as one of the team's highest scorers with 10.4 points per game. Southern Utah's other leading scorer, sophomore Ava Uhrich, averages 10.5 PPG after scoring 24 against Abilene Christian University last Saturday. Tarleton State transfer Lexi Bull has cemented herself as a dominant force in rebounding, standing fifth in the WAC in rebounds per game since starting conference play with 7.8.
Scouting Report
Utah Tech University Trailblazers
The 5-16 Trailblazers are only 1-7 since beginning conference play, with their WAC win coming in an 80-70 shootout against the 3-19 Seattle University Redhawks. While Utah Tech shoots an impressive 31.3% from outside the three-point line, Southern Utah will look to take advantage of the worst defense in the WAC, allowing 75 PPG to opposing teams.
Leading the WAC in assists per game with 6.8, Chardonnay Hartley averages 11.7 PPG. Emily Isaacson has proven herself as Utah Tech's primary perimeter threat, shooting 41.9% from three.
Utah Valley University Wolverines
Currently on a three-game losing streak, the 13-9 Wolverines hold a 5-5 WAC record in a roller-coaster season for their team. UVU's scoring offense scores 66.2 PPG, and their defense has been just as flashy, racking in a WAC-leading 13.7 steals per game and blocking the second-most shots in the conference.
Utah Valley's Danja Stafford brings down 9.3 rebounds per game, currently standing as the only WAC player with over 200 boards in the season. Tahlia White leads the scoring with 12.2 PPG, also averaging a strong 2.4 steals per game defensively.
Tickets
Season tickets, mini packages, and single-game tickets are now available! Get yours today by visiting tbirdtickets.com
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