Kicking off conference play, the Southern Utah University women’s basketball team hosted Grand Canyon University on Saturday, Jan. 4. Southern Utah kept it close in the first half, but the Lopes outlasted the Thunderbirds 75-57.
With the loss, Southern Utah falls to 2-12 on the year and 0-1 in Western Athletic Conference play, while Grand Canyon improves to 14-2 on the year and 1-0 in the WAC.
First quarter
It was a back and forth game in the first quarter with both teams starting strong. Southern Utah held a 12-9 lead late into the quarter, but a pair of layups put Grand Canyon on top 15-14 after one.
Second quarter
Both teams in the second quarter defended the perimeter well. SUU went 0/2 from three while GCU went 0/3. Grand Canyon dominated down low, scoring all 12 points in the paint. At the break, GCU led 28-22.
Third quarter
It was all offense in the third; both teams shot the ball well. GCU started the period on a 9-0 run. Down 18, Southern Utah whittled off a quick 6-0 run to end the quarter, but the Lopes led 51-39 heading to the fourth.
Fourth quarter
Grand Canyon continued to dominate on offense in the fourth, scoring 24 points and holding onto their lead. Guard Alyssa Durazo-Frescas hit two three-pointers. Southern Utah battled but fell short 75-57.
Key statistics
— Durazo-Frescas led all players with 21 points.
— Southern Utah committed 25 turnovers.
— Tiarra Brown forced a season-high eight steals.
— In her first start, Lexi Bull scored a season-high 12 points.
What’s next?
Southern Utah will travel to Texas to take on Tarleton State University on Thursday, Jan. 9, at 6 p.m. This game can be streamed on ESPN+.
Author: Jack Paul
Photographer: SUU Athletics
Copy Editor: Isaac Allen
