CEDAR CITY, Utah - The Southern Utah women's basketball team will look to continue their remarkable home-court success, against UT Arlington on Thursday, Jan. 29 at 6:30 p.m. The 13-7 Thunderbirds defeated both of their in-state rivals last week to hop to a 5-3 Western Athletic Conference record, and the 8-11 Mavericks hold a 2-5 record since starting conference play.
Head Coach Tracy Mason said:
"It's great to be back at home for both games this week, and it's given us the opportunity to get some extra rest going into Thursday. Our team has stepped up on defense in the last couple games, and we want to keep that momentum going as we take on a tough UT Arlington team."
Game Details
Who: Southern Utah (13-7, 5-3 WAC) vs UT Arlington (8-11, 2-5 WAC)
When: Thursday, January 29, at 6:30 p.m.
Where: America First Event Center
Watch: ESPN+
Live Stats: HERE
Matchup History
- Southern Utah picked up their first win in program history against the Mavericks during their first matchup of the season on Jan. 3. The Thunderbirds narrowly edged out UTA in a defensive 58-55 showdown, with junior Ava Uhrich and sophomore Sierra Chambers combining for 37 points.
The Thunderbirds
SUU has been strong since starting conference play, but they've been nearly unstoppable at home. They hold an impressive 8-1 record on their home turf, with their one loss being in an overtime heartbreaker against a talented California Baptist team.
Ranking second in the WAC in points per game (73.4), field goal percentage (41.8%), and three-point field goal percentage (32.2%), the Thunderbirds have scored with great success throughout the year.
Although they boast a consistently dominant offense, their most recent wins have relied on the emergence of a steady defensive presence. Last week, they allowed only 60 points to Utah Valley before holding Utah Tech to their season-low of 49 points. In addition, they lead the conference in rebounds per game with 42.9.
Sophomore Kortney Doman has had an immense impact on her team's ability to slow down opposing offenses. She's recorded a team-high 27 steals and 21 blocks and averages 6.2 rebounds per game.
Meanwhile, offensively, sophomore Sierra Chambers has captained the Thunderbirds' performance. She averages 15.5 points, making her third in the WAC in scoring, and 3.5 assists per game.
However, it is an incredible paint presence that has become Southern Utah's greatest asset. Junior Ava Uhrich averages a conference-high 10.3 rebounds to go with 13 points per game, while junior transfer Brooklyn Fely racks up 11.3 points per game and averages 8.2 boards. Fely enters the UTA matchup as the reigning WAC Player and Newcomer of the Week.
Scouting Report
UT Arlington Mavericks
The 8-11 Mavericks have continued to struggle in conference play since last time they faced Southern Utah, but they have picked up valuable home wins against Utah Tech and Utah Valley, making them 2-5 in the WAC. UT Arlington enters their matchup with the Thunderbirds following a season-low 37-point performance against Tarleton State.
While their offense is the lowest-scoring in the conference, UT Arlington's well-rounded defense has been effective. They rank second in the WAC in blocks with five per game and third in steals with 9.3 per game.
A huge factor for her team, freshman Kira Reynolds leads her team in scoring with 12 points per game, rebounding with 8.1 (fourth in the WAC), and blocked shots with 2.9 per game (second in the WAC).
Tickets
Season tickets, mini packages, and single-game tickets are now available! Get yours today by visiting tbirdtickets.com.
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