In search of their first win of the year, the Southern Utah University women’s basketball team hosted Bethesda University of California on Friday, Nov. 22. In a game where Southern Utah held the lead for almost the entirety of the game, SUU came out on top 86-45.
With the win, Southern Utah improves to 1-5 on the season.
First quarter
After an early pair of free-throws from Samantha Ballantyne, giving Bethesda the early 2-0 lead, Southern Utah dominated the rest of the quarter. Forward Ava Uhrich scored eight of the Thunderbirds first 11 points and helped give SUU a 24-10 lead after the first.
Second quarter
Southern Utah continued to control the game in the second quarter. Southern Utah held Bethesda to just nine points in the quarter while shooting 15.38% from the field and 14.29% from three.
A huge variety of T-birds contributed to the team’s lead. SUU saw eight different girls score in the quarter. Freshman Denver Anderson and Uhrich led the way with four points each, helping give the T-Birds the 46-19 lead at half.
Third quarter
Bethesda came out firing after halftime, starting on a 9-2 run. Southern Utah responded well with their own 13-3 run, really putting the game away late in the third quarter. A layup from Anderson left the game at 66-33 entering the fourth quarter.
Fourth quarter
By the time the fourth quarter came around the game was practically over. SUU had seven different girls score in the fourth, with three of them being freshman. The Thunderbirds dominated and won the game 86-45.
Key statistics
— Sydney Gandy hit a season-high of five threes.
— Ballantyne led all players with 17 points.
— Southern Utah held Bethesda to shoot just 21.2% from the field.
What’s next?
Southern Utah will travel to Reno, Nevada to compete in the Nugget Classic starting on Friday, Nov. 29.
Author: Jack Paul
Photographer: Gannon Lovisa
Copy Editor: Isaac Allen
