In their home opener, the Southern Utah University women’s basketball team hosted the University of Idaho on Saturday Nov. 16. Southern Utah struggled late and fell 66-53. With the loss, the Thunderbirds fall to 0-4 to start the season, their worst start since 2021.
“We had our opportunities but I don’t think we executed well on the defensive end,” said head coach Tracy Mason.
First quarter
Idaho got out to a 15-8 lead late in the first quarter, led by Jennifer Aadland’s seven points. A pair of turnovers though by the Vandals, followed by a Daylani Ballena layup and an Ava Uhrich three-pointer, cut the lead to 17-15 at the end of the first.
Second quarter
The offense came alive for SUU in the second quarter. Southern Utah had three different players make a three-pointer, with guard Sydney Gandy leading the team with six points in the quarter. A late Ballena three gave the Thunderbirds the 33-30 lead heading into halftime.
Third quarter
The Idaho defense stepped up in the third quarter, holding Southern Utah to just eight points on 26.67% shooting in the quarter. Along with that, Anja Bukic scored the first seven points in the period for the Vandals and helped give Idaho the 46-41 lead entering the fourth quarter.
Fourth quarter
Idaho opened the quarter on a 9-2 run and quickly got out to a 55-43 lead. Gandy responded for Southern Utah with a pair of threes, helping Southern Utah cut the lead to just four points with a little over two minutes left in the game. Over the final two minutes though, Idaho went on 9-0 run to secure the 66-53 win.
Key statistics
— Gandy led the Thunderbirds with 12 points.
— Aaland led the Vandals with 15 points and eight rebounds.
— Southern Utah shot just 31.7% from the field.
— Idaho forced 19 turnovers.
What’s next?
Southern Utah will host Saint Joseph’s University on Wednesday, Nov. 20, at 6:30 p.m. This game can be streamed on ESPN+.
Author: Jack Paul
Photographer: Gannon Lovisa
Editor: SUU News Copy Editor
