The Southern Utah University women’s basketball team is looking to get back on track this week as they get ready to face two crucial road games in the Western Athletic Conference. Southern Utah will play their first game against Seattle University on Thursday, Feb. 15, at 6 p.m. Thenthey will face off against in-state opponent Utah Valley University on Saturday, Feb. 17, at 2 p.m. Both games can be viewed on ESPN+.
Seattle
It has been a season to forget for Seattle University since the Redhawks are just 2-20 overall and 2-11 in the WAC. In their last matchup against Southern Utah, Seattle lost 83-56, their largest conference loss this year. The Redhawks also have a -14.2 point differential, ranking last in the WAC. On the other hand, Seattle defends the three-point line well, only allowing their opponent to shoot 29.9% from deep.
One standout for Seattle has been sophomore forward Mya Moore. She is the only Redhawk to start all 22 games, averaging 24.4 minutes per game. Moore has also been the best scorer, averaging 12 points per game, yet she struggled in their first matchup against the Thunderbirds, scoring only four points on 1/5 shooting. If Seattle is going to bounce back against Southern Utah, they will need Moore to have a big game.
Utah Valley
Entering this week, the Wolverines are 8-14 overall and 3-10 in conference play. Along with Seattle, Utah Valley lost their first matchup against Southern Utah 71-58 back on Jan. 6. Even with the loss, UVU sits at seventh place in the WAC resume seeding, one spot ahead of SUU. Although Utah Valley has had a rather disappointing season, the defense has been impressive, ranking No. 2 in the WAC in opponent points per game.
With a team that doesn’t have a player averaging double digits in scoring, UVU relies on ball movement and fast break opportunities to score. Junior guard Eleyana Tafisi leads the Wolverines in assists, averaging 3.3 per game. Utah Valley also ranks No. 1 in steals, averaging 11.6 per game and first in turnover margin. Utah Valley can get their revenge against SUU if the ball is moving and they are getting in the passing lane.
Southern Utah
After winning the WAC in their first year joining the conference, Southern Utah has struggled in their second. The Thunderbirds are 6-16 overall and 4-9 in conference play. One of SUU’s biggest struggles this season has been the defense. Southern Utah ranks No. 10 in opponent scoring and last in the conference in opponent field goal and three-point percentage.
One of the top players in the last two weeks in the WAC has been Samantha Johnston. The senior guard is averaging 16 points per game in her last five games, including a career-high 24 points against Utah Tech University on Feb. 8. Along with Johnston, freshman Ava Uhrich has continued to play at a high level, ranking No. 5 in the conference in field goal percentage and shooting 47.7% from the field.
Southern Utah is 2-0 all-time against Seattle University and 18-9 against Utah Valley University.
Author: Jack Paul
Photographer: Anden Garfield
Editor: Anden Garfield
sports@suunews.net
