CEDAR CITY, Utah - The Southern Utah women's basketball team will tip off their second historic postseason appearance in the Women's National Invitation Tournament at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, March 22, against Pepperdine University in Malibu, Calif.
Head Coach Tracy Mason said:
"We're incredibly grateful for this opportunity to continue playing, and we're excited to match up against a competitive team like Pepperdine. We'll need to bring the energy on offense and play as a full defensive unit on Sunday."
Game Details
Who: Southern Utah (19-12, 11-8 WAC) vs Pepperdine (20-12, 10-8 WCC)
When: Sunday, March 22, at 3:00 p.m.
Where: Firestone Fieldhouse, Malibu, California
Watch: ESPN+
Live Stats: HERE
Matchup History
- Southern Utah has only faced the Pepperdine Waves once in program history. The 1988 contest resulted in an 86-74 loss for the visiting Thunderbirds.
The Thunderbirds
Despite an incredible 19-12 season in which Southern Utah compiled a 13-1 home record, the Thunderbirds are in the midst of a rocky four-game skid. They'll look to get back on track in the WNIT after being eliminated early in the Western Athletic Conference's postseason.
Throughout the year, SUU's offense has been impressive, averaging 72.1 points per game. The Thunderbirds shoot an impressive 42.3% from the field and 33.1% from the three-point line. They also average a solid 15.1 assists per game.
However, Southern Utah's greatest strength has been its dominant rebounding efforts. SUU ranks second among teams in the WNIT and 19th in the nation with 41.6 rebounds per game.
Two Thunderbirds — juniors Ava Uhrich and Brooklyn Fely — have surpassed 10 double-doubles on the year. Uhrich and Fely have also both recorded enough rebounds to place in the top 10 in single-season program history, with Uhrich currently ranking second all-time.
Meanwhile, sophomore Sierra Chambers leads the team in scoring and assists, averaging 14.9 points and 3.8 assists. Her 462-point season currently slots in at seventh all-time in Southern Utah's record book.
Scouting Report
Pepperdine Waves
The 20-12 Waves enter their showdown with Southern Utah following an exhilarating 71-68 win over UC Davis in the first round of the WNIT. Junior Tajia Sta. Maria drained a buzzer-beating triple to earn Pepperdine their upcoming matchup against the Thunderbirds.
The Waves boast an outstanding offense, which could set up for a Sunday shootout. Pepperdine averages 70.6 points per contest and shoots a remarkable 44.2% from the field and 34.2% from the perimeter.
Their well-rounded team is led in scoring by sophomore Elli Guiney, who averages 15 points while shooting at a 41.5% rate from deep. With a team-high 8.4 rebounds per game, junior Preston Shorna leads the team defensively.
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