The Southern Utah University women’s basketball team lost in a conference matchup against Seattle University on Thursday, Feb. 15. SUU stayed close for most of the game but never took the lead. This 75-71 loss takes the Thunderbirds to 6-17 overall and 4-10 in Western Athletic Conference play, while the Redhawks rise to 3-20 overall and 3-11 in the WAC.
First quarter
This matchup got started with the Redhawks winning the tip-off and striking first with a layup from forward Mya Moore. Southern Utah started cold on offense but were able to score their first points off a three-pointer from forward Ava Uhrich two minutes into play.
Southern Utah had difficulty handling the ball after the made shot and turned the ball over four times in the first five minutes. Luckily for the Thunderbirds, Seattle U had issues finding the basket in the opening minutes, keeping the game close.
With three minutes left in the first, the Redhawks were up 15-9. Both teams closed the quarter strong with a lot of buckets. Uhrich was a standout player for SUU, scoring seven points and two assists. Leading Seattle, Moore scored six points and three rebounds. The score was 19-15 in favor of the Redhawks going into the second.
Second quarter
Both teams were in good rhythm offensively and exchanging shots. Seattle held a 23-19 lead over the Thunderbirds three minutes in. SUU was playing much better on offense and stopped turning the ball over.
SUU guard Daylani Ballena found life with 12 points in the half. SUU couldn’t gain the lead, but her great contribution kept them right behind the Redhawks. Uhrich also had a great half with eleven points.
Keeping things rolling for Seattle was guard Julianna Walker, who hit three three-pointers in the second along with a mid-range shot. Guard Peyton Howard hit big shots as well with eight points.
With two minutes left to the break, the Redhawks were up by six. SUU forced a couple of turnovers and scored to make it a two-point game. SUU then tied it off free throws. With four seconds on the clock, Walker hit a three to put the Redhawks up 37-34 at halftime.
Third quarter
Coming out of the break, neither team took time to start scoring. Three minutes into play, Seattle still had a small two-point lead. After the good start, SUU had trouble getting points, resulting in a 10-3 run by the Redhawks, leaving the score at 46-38 with four minutes left in the quarter.
Seattle U began getting in foul trouble, forcing them to bench some key players. Southern Utah capitalized on this opportunity and started scoring consistently to cut the deficit to three points. Despite the great offense, the Thunderbirds could not stop the Redhawks from scoring, especially from three-point range. Another issue for the SUU defense was allowing too many second chances for their opponent. Seattle capitalized on many of these and pulled away in the last two minutes to make the score 55-47 in their favor.
Fourth quarter
Seattle U continued finding the three-pointer in the closing period. Guard Makayla Moore took over, scoring nine straight points and keeping SUU from making any progress toward cutting the deficit. Though they struggled to make ground, the Thunderbirds were scoring well. Ballena was still finding the basket, and guard Samantha Johnston hit three three-pointers in the quarter.
Those threes from Johnston set the score at 64-63 in favor of Seattle with six minutes to go. Unfortunately for SUU, they started having more turnover trouble in the closing minutes and stopped scoring. This prevented a comeback and gave Seattle U the win.
Explosive players
— Ballena scored 24 points and five assists.
— Johnston scored 17 points, five rebounds, five assists and two blocks.
— Uhrich scored 17 points and four assists.
— Walker had 19 points, four rebounds and two steals.
— Mya Moore scored 13 points and eight rebounds.
— Mikayla Moore had 19 points and two steals.
Key stats
— Seattle U shot 84.2% from the free-throw line, while SUU shot 61.9%.
— Southern Utah only had one point off the bench.
— Seattle U had 17 offensive rebounds.
Next for SUU
The next matchup will be an away game for the Thunderbirds. They will face off against the Utah Valley University Wolverines on Saturday, Feb. 17, at 2 p.m. The game can be streamed on ESPN+.
Author: Jacob McQueary
Photographer: Anden Garfield
Editor: Anden Garfield
sports@suunews.net
