In their first home game since Nov. 22, the Southern Utah University women’s basketball team hosted Sam Houston State University on Monday, Dec. 16. It was close in the first half, but a strong second half helped propel the Bearkats over the Thunderbirds 72-61.
With the loss, Southern Utah falls to 1-10 on the year and increases their losing streak to five games, while Sam Houston improves to 6-3 on the season.
First quarter
The First quarter was back and forth with both teams keeping it close. Sam Houston grabbed an early 14-9 lead. Ava Uhrich and Daylani Ballena subbed in and scored nine straight points for the Thunderbirds and helped give Southern Utah a 22-18 lead to end the first.
Second quarter
Sam Houston’s Kaila Kelly came out soaring, hitting a jump shot, forcing a steal and scoring a layup, all in the first minute of the quarter. The Bearkats used that momentum to take a 33-26 lead. Center Ashley Banks scored five points for SUU but Sam Houston still held a 37-35 lead at half.
Third quarter
Sam Houston’s defense was ferocious in the third, forcing seven turnovers in the quarter and holding SUU to shoot just 29.4% from the field. Kyleigh McGuire added seven points, helping Sam Houston take 54-48 lead entering the fourth.
Fourth quarter
In the first five minutes of play, the Bearkats increased their lead to 13 and were looking to put this game away. Whitney Dunn dominated late in the fourth quarter, scoring seven points late and secured the 72-61 win over Southern Utah.
Key statistics
— Sam Houston had four girls score 10 or more points.
— Southern Utah scored 22 bench points.
— Fanta Kone forced five steals against SUU.
— The Thunderbirds tied a season-high 24 turnovers.
What’s next?
Southern Utah will host Park University Gilbert on Friday, Dec. 20, at 2 p.m. This game will be played in the America First Event Center and can be streamed on ESPN+.
Author: Jack Paul
Photographer: Gannon Lovisa
Copy Editor: Isaac Allen
