After splitting their two-game road trip, the Southern Utah University women’s basketball team will return home to host the University of Texas at Arlington on Thursday, Jan. 30, at 6:30 p.m. Following this game, SUU will await Tarleton State University on Saturday, Feb. 1, at 2 p.m.
Both games can be streamed on ESPN+ or viewed live in the America First Event Center.
Southern Utah
The Thunderbirds enter this week 4-15 on the year and 2-4 in the Western Athletic Conference. In their last meeting against UT Arlington and Tarleton State, SUU struggled, losing to the Mavericks 78-54 on Jan. 11 and falling short against the Texans 64-53 on Jan. 9.
Despite the poor record, Southern Utah is 2-1 in their last three games. In their two wins, SUU averaged 62.5 points a game, yet they scored a season-low 51 points in their one loss.
One standout has been graduate student Daylani Ballena. In the last five games, Ballena is averaging 12.8 points per game on 56.7% shooting from the field. If SUU wants to build on this win streak, Ballena will need to continue to play at a high level.
UT Arlington
The Mavericks have dominated to start WAC play. UT Arlington is 10-7 on the season and 5-1 in conference play. In their six WAC games, UTA averages 77 points a game on 42.8% shooting from the field.
Not only has the offense soared in conference play, but the defense is flying high. UT Arlington has recorded 10+ steals in each of their last four games.
Offensively, UTA dominates from the inside. Forwards Koi Love and Avery Brittingham have been a dynamic duo in the paint that has caused issues for opponents.
In their last game against Southern Utah, Love, and Brittingham combined for 34 points on 50% shooting from the field.
Tarleton State
Coming off a bounce-back win against Abilene Christian University, Tarleton State is 12-9 on the season and 3-3 in conference play. In their last meeting against SUU, the Texans attacked the SUU defense and went 16/17 from the free-throw line.
Additionally, Tarleton State’s defense was suffocating, forcing SUU to turn the ball over 18 times and shoot just 37.2% from the field.
On offense, Tarleton State has heavily relied on Arieona Rosborough. The senior guard from Mansfield, Texas, leads the team, averaging 12.6 points per game, 57 total assists and 28 steals.
Southern Utah is 0-6 all-time against UT Arlington and 2-3 all-time against Tarleton State.
Author: Jack Paul
Photographer: SUU Athletics
Editor: Chevy Blackburn
