LAS VEGAS - By securing the seventh seed in the 2025 Western Athletic Conference Basketball Tournament, the Southern Utah University women's basketball team locked up the opportunity to play in the 2:30 p.m. PT matchup on March 12. After the Saturday shake-out for the rest of the conference's seeding, the Thunderbirds will face No. 2 Tarleton State University.
Head Coach Tracy Mason Said:
"Tarleton is a tough defensive team with some terrific offensive players as well. We need to take care of the ball, execute our defensive game plan, and be aggressive on the boards. We're excited for a chance to keep our season alive."
Game Details
Who: Southern Utah University (9-20, 7-9 WAC) vs Tarleton State University (19-12, 10-6 WAC)
When: Wednesday, March 12 at 2:30 p.m.
Where: The Orleans Arena, Las Vegas
Watch: ESPN+
Live Stats: HERE
Matchup History
The Thunderbirds
Despite a difficult start to the year, SUU closed their regular season by winning five of their final six games. With a 7-9 conference record, the Thunderbirds secured the seventh spot in the WAC and hope to maintain the strong momentum they've built as they enter postseason play.
Since starting conference play, SUU has emerged as one of the WAC's strongest defenses, ranking fourth in defensive scoring and first in both three-point and overall field goal percentage defense. The team has also shut down opposing offenses in the paint, ranking No. 2 in defensive rebounds per conference game and No. 3 in blocked shots.
Graduate guard Daylani Ballena stepped up in conference play for the Thunderbirds, averaging 13 points per WAC game and ranking seventh in assists per game. Adding to the scoring, sophomore forward Ava Uhrich has surpassed 20 points in four games this season.
Leading the charge under the basket, graduate forward Lexi Bull ranks third in rebounding with 7.9 boards per conference game. In addition, graduate guard Samantha Johnston stands at No. 5 in the WAC in three-pointers made per game, and senior forward Jaeden Brown has jumped to No. 5 in blocked shots per conference game.
Scouting Report
Tarleton State University Texans
Tarleton has earned the second seed in the conference and a 10-6 WAC record. However, their last three games have yielded mixed results. After a 59-56 nailbiter loss against Abilene Christian on the road, the Texans returned home and throttled California Baptist 75-44. They closed the regular season with a 75-58 loss to Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah.
With a defense ranking only behind the dominant Grand Canyon in the WAC, Tarleton holds opposing teams to 58.6 points per game. They also hold their opponents to a conference-leading average of 30.3 boards per game, meaning that Southern Utah will have to battle for it at the glass to give themselves a chance.
Senior guard Arieona Rosborough leads the Texans with 13.1 points per conference game and ranks sixth in assists per WAC game.
Sophomore center Faith Acker serves as the leader of Tarleton's efforts in the paint. Since the start of conference play, she stands tenth in rebounds per game and seventh in blocked shots.
Tickets
Season tickets, mini packages, and single-game tickets are now available! Get yours today by visiting tbirdtickets.com
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