LAS VEGAS - In their final battle of the season on March 12, the Southern Utah University Women's Basketball team lost 59-40 to No. 2 Tarleton State University. The game dropped Southern Utah to a 9-21 overall record and a 7-10 Western Athletic Conference record, ending the 2024-2025 Thunderbird campaign. The Texans will fight on in the semifinal round after extending to 19-12 overall with an 11-6 conference record.
Top T-Birds
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In the final game of an impressive Thunderbird career, Daylani Ballena scored nine points and brought down six boards.
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Samantha Johnston, the all-time SUU leader in made three-pointers, added two more to her totals in a nine-point, three-assist performance.
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In only 10 minutes on the court, freshman Sierra Chambers racked up seven points on 50% shooting from the field.
Post-Game Press Conference:
For the full post-game press conference, visit https://wacinternational.tv/?B=2260298.
Game Recap
First Half
The first quarter started in a stalemate between two of the WAC's strongest defenses, with both teams not breaking zeros on the scoreboard until four minutes in. Former Texan Lexi Bull snapped the streak with a jumper before Southern Utah's offense found a groove. Freshman Sierra Chambers capped off the quarter with a three, pushing to an 11-9 Thunderbird lead.
While the offense struggled in the second quarter, the defense remained stout and held Tarleton to three points through the first five minutes. While the Texans pulled away going into halftime, a triple from Sydney Gandy and another basket from Chambers kept it close at 21-16.
Second Half
SUU's second half started in similar fashion offensively, but the defense had a harder time containing the TSU offense. Tarleton burst ahead to a double-digit lead, but the Thunderbirds fought back, clawing to a six-point game thanks to triples from Samantha Johnston and Daylani Ballena. With one quarter left, the Texans led 37-31.
Tarleton State pulled away to a strong lead in the game's final quarter, but Ballena, Johnston, and Gandy continued adding to their totals, closing the game 59-40.
Highlights
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