With the 2024-25 basketball season underway, the Southern Utah University women’s basketball team faced off against the University of Utah on Monday, Nov. 4. U of U controlled the entire game and came out on top 105-52.
“Utah is a very good team. We knew that going in but we have to find ways to compete,” said head coach Tracy Mason. “I was proud of our freshmen. Thrown into a big game like that and I thought they did some nice things.”
First quarter
Gianna Kneepkens got the scoring started for both teams with a three-pointer on the first possession. Southern Utah struggled to keep the ball, turning it over seven times in the first period. Late in the quarter, Southern Utah’s Sierra Chambers scored five quick points to finish the quarter. Utah led 23-12.
Second quarter
A pair of free-throws from Chambers and a three-pointer from Sydney Gandy cut the lead to eight early in the second quarter, but a 17-0 run for the Utes blew the game open. Two layups and a three from Kennady McQueen gave Utah the 46-21 lead at half. Chambers led all players with 11 points at the half.
Third quarter
Jenna Johnson opened the third with a layup for the Utes, continuing the offensive dominance. Daylani Ballena responded, finding the bottom of the net for her first points of the game. Utah continued to find ways to score, putting up 34 points in the third period.
Fourth quarter
Freshman Olivia Malafu saw some playing time in the fourth and wasted no time scoring her first career points for the Thunderbirds. Four different freshmen saw action in the fourth and had a combined 10 points in the period. Utah dominated though and came out on top 105-52.
Top performers
— Kneepkens led all players with 18 points.
— Chambers led all Thunderbirds with 15 points in her first career collegiate game.
— Utah scored 33 points off of Southern Utah’s 24 turnovers.
— Ava Uhrich led the team with five rebounds.
What’s next?
Southern Utah will travel to take on Jacksonville State University on Saturday, Nov. 9, at 1:30 p.m. This game can be streamed on ESPN+.
Author: Jack Paul
Photographer: Gannon Lovisa
Editor: SUU News Copy Editor
