Going up against one of the top teams in the Western Athletic Conference, the Southern Utah University women’s basketball team hosted the University of Texas at Arlington on Thursday, Jan. 30.
Southern Utah battled, leading most of the game, but fell short to the Mavericks 72-68.
With the loss, SUU is 4-16 on the year and 2-5 in WAC play, while UT Arlington improves to 11-7 on the season and 6-1 in conference play.
First quarter
Scoring was hard to come by in the first period, with neither team gaining a large advantage. Fifth-year guard Samantha Johnston was big for the Thunderbirds, scoring eight points on two threes.
SUU held a six-point lead late in the quarter, but a pair of free-throws from Avery Brittingham cut the lead to 15-11 after one.
Second quarter
It was all Koi Love and Brittingham for UTA in the second. The dynamic frontcourt duo scored 12 of the Mavericks’ 17 points in the period.
A pair of jumpers from Jaeden Brown helped keep SUU in the game; at the half, the score was tied 28-28.
Third quarter
Southern Utah played their best quarter offensively in the third, scoring 17 points on 7/15 shooting as a team. The Thunderbirds saw seven different girls score in the quarter and SUU led 45-42 heading into the fourth.
Fourth quarter
Despite the strong play, Southern Utah found themselves in foul trouble. Lexi Bull, Ashley Banks, Daylani Ballena and Brown all had four fouls entering the quarter with Brown and Banks fouling out midway through the period.
Love and Brittingham continued to find ways to score, combining for 17 points in the fourth and giving UTA a two-point lead with 12 seconds left.
With a chance to tie or take the lead, Southern Utah inbounded it, and it found the hands of freshman Olivia Malafu, but a steal from Brittingham sealed the game for the Mavericks, 72-68.
Key statistics
— Brittingham led all scorers with 25 points.
— Brown recorded her first double-double of the season with 10 points and 10 rebounds.
— SUU finished with 16 assists compared to UTA’s 10.
What’s next?
Southern Utah will stay at home when they host Tarleton State University on Saturday, Feb. 1, at 2 p.m. This game can be watched live in the America First Event Center or streamed on ESPN+.
Author: Jack Paul
Photographer: SUU Athletics
Editor: Chevy Blackburn
