Still searching for their first win of the year, the Southern Utah University women’s basketball team hosts Saint Joseph’s University on Wednesday, Nov. 20, at 6:30 p.m. The game will be followed by a matchup against Bethesda University of California on Friday, Nov. 22, at 6:30 p.m.
Both games can be streamed on ESPN+.
Southern Utah
Coming into the week, Southern Utah is 0-4 on the season after dropping their last game against the University of Idaho 66-53. SUU has faced a tough schedule to start the season and it doesn’t get any easier.
One of the biggest struggles has been the turnovers. Southern Utah ranks last in the Western Athletic Conference in turnovers, averaging 18.5 per game. Along with that, the Thunderbirds have struggled to shoot the ball from the perimeter. SUU is shooting just 30% from behind the arc.
Daylani Ballena has been awesome for Southern Utah on the offensive side of things. Ballena is averaging 10.3 points per game on 40.9% shooting from the field and 40% from three.
Saint Joseph
It has been a great start for Cindy Griffin and the Hawks. Saint Joseph is 3-0 to start the season, including a win against Syracuse University 84-70. SJU has dominated the rebounding game, averaging 42 rebounds per game and a plus 13.3 rebound margin.
A key piece to the success of Saint Joseph has been forward Talya Brugler and guard Mackenzie Smith. Brugler is averaging 21 points per game, while shooting 58.5% from the field and 66.7% from three. Smith leads the team with 12 made three-pointers and is averaging 19.3 points per game.
Bethesda
Like Southern Utah, Bethesda has started the season 0-4. Bethesda University competes in the National Christian Collegiate Athletic Association.
Guard Makaia Smith leads the team in scoring, averaging 18.3 points per game. Smith is also second on the team in minutes per game, playing an average of 34.7 minutes per match.
This will be the first time Southern Utah plays both Saint Joseph and Bethesda University.
Author: Jack Paul
Photographer: Gannon Lovisa
Copy Editor: Isaac Allen