With conference play in full swing, the Southern Utah University women’s basketball team traveled to Texas to play Tarleton State University on Jan. 9, followed by a rematch of the first round of the Western Athletic Conference Tournament game against the University of Texas at Arlington on Jan. 11.
The Thunderbirds struggled against both teams, dropping their game against the Texans 64-53, followed by a big loss against the Mavericks 78-54. After the two losses, Southern Utah is now 2-14 overall and 0-3 in the WAC.
Game one
The Thunderbirds struggled shooting the ball in the first half against the Texans, going a combined 6/21 from the field and 1/11 from three. SUU scored nine of their 23 first-half points from the free-throw line.
For Tarleton State, they were in control on offense, penetrating the paint and taking highly efficient shots. The Texans scored 20 of their 34 first-half points in the paint. Arieona Rosborough led all scorers with 13 points at halftime.
Tarleton State continued to play well on offense using penetration, scoring 18 points in the paint and was up big entering the fourth quarter.
While the Thunderbirds were down 19 going into the fourth, the offense found their stride. Samatha Johnston hit a pair of threes as Southern Utah went 4/6 from deep in the quarter. Despite the strong final quarter, Southern Utah fell 64-53.
Game two
Southern Utah came out hot, starting on a 8-2 run led by Daylani Ballena and Johnston. UTA answered with a 10-0 run over the next five minutes to give the Mavericks a 12-8 lead, but Jaeden Brown finished the period with a pair of layups and gave SUU the 14-12 lead.
The second quarter was all UT Arlington offense. The Mavericks put up 30 points in the quarter led by forward Koi Love’s seven and Avery Brittingham’s six points. Johnston hit two threes for the Thunderbirds but UTA led 42-32 at half.
UTA continued their offensive onslaught with a 11-3 run to start the half. SUU tried to stay in the game but struggled to find rhythm, shooting only 33% from the field and 0/4 from three.
With the game out of reach, both reserves came in around the five minute mark in the quarter. Neither team shot the ball well in the fourth, going a combined 6/25 from the field. Despite that, UTA outlasted SUU 78-54.
What’s next?
Southern Utah will return home to face Seattle University on Saturday, Jan. 18, at 2 p.m. This game can be viewed live in the America First Event Center or streamed live on ESPN+.
Author: Jack Paul
Photographer: SUU Athletics
Copy Editor: Isaac Allen
