Looking to leap back into the win column, the Southern Utah University women’s basketball team faced off against California Baptist University on Saturday, Jan. 25.
Down 10 points in the fourth quarter, Daylani Ballena scored 11 of SUU’s last 16 points, including a last-second layup to lift SUU over CBU 64-63.
With the win, Southern Utah improves to 4-15 on the year and 2-3 in the Western Athletic Conference. California Baptist falls to 6-14 on the season and 3-3 in conference play.
First quarter
Ava Uhrich started the scoring for the Thunderbirds with a three-pointer and a layup early in the quarter. SUU held a 13-9 lead at the midway point in the second period.
After some back-and-forth scoring from both teams, Uhrich made a jumper with 38 seconds remaining to give SUU the 19-15 lead.
Second quarter
The Lancers bounced back strongly in the second quarter, scoring 20 points and holding SUU to shoot just 1/6 from three.
With two minutes left in the half, SUU held a 32-30 lead, but five quick points from CBU gave the Lancers the 35-32 lead entering halftime.
Third quarter
In the third quarter, it was dominated by California Baptist. Claudia Fiel controlled the paint and led the Lancers with seven points in the quarter.
Along with that, SUU couldn’t find any rhythm on offense. The Thunderbirds shot just 4/15 from the field and found themselves down 51-41 entering the fourth.
Fourth quarter
Through the first three minutes of play, both teams exchanged baskets, with Southern Utah gaining little ground on CBU’s lead. With just over three minutes left in the game, Khloe Lemon hit a three to extend the lead to 10.
Sydney Gandy responded with a three-pointer, and Ballena constantly attacked the paint, getting to the free-throw line. With 34 seconds left, Ballena made a tough contested layup, cutting the lead to one.
After fouling on the inbound, Fiel went to the free-throw line but missed both attempts. With a chance to take the lead, Ballena attacked the paint once again and made a layup with 2.9 seconds left, giving SUU the win over CBU.
Key statistics
— Ballena scored a season-high 20 points.
— Fiel led all Lancers with 18 points.
— Southern Utah outrebounded California Baptist 41-33.
What’s next?
Southern Utah will head back home to host the University of Texas at Arlington on Thursday, Jan. 30, at 6:30 p.m. This game can be viewed live in the America First Event Center or can be streamed on ESPN+.
