Going up against one of the top teams in the Western Athletic Conference, the Southern Utah University women’s basketball team hosted Tarleton State University on Saturday, Feb. 1. Southern Utah struggled to contain Tarleton State’s offense, falling to the Texans 74-53.
With the loss, the Thunderbirds fall to 4-17 on the year and 2-6 in the WAC. The Texans earned their third win in a row and improved to 14-9 on the year.
“I’m disappointed. I don’t think we came out here ready to play,” said Head Coach Tracy Mason. “We didn’t have good intensity and we weren’t ready to play.”
First quarter
Tarleton State came out firing in the first quarter, starting on a 9-3 run led by Jakoriah Long and Arieona Rosborough. Southern Utah responded, cutting the lead to just two.
A three-pointer from Long, with three seconds left in the quarter to extend the score to 19-12 after one.
Second quarter
Through the first five minutes of play, Tarleton State dominated the quarter, extending the lead to 13. Southern Utah responded well, going on a 9-2 run over the next three minutes to cut the lead to six.
The Texans controlled the last two minutes of play, scoring four points and holding a 10-point lead at half, 34-24.
Third quarter
The Texans continued their strong performance in the third quarter, reaching a 16-point lead with four minutes left in the period. Southern Utah, trying to stay in it, scored five points late, down 53-40 at the end of the Third.
Fourth quarter
A 13-4 run to start the quarter for the Texans nearly put the game to rest. Ava Uhrich scored six of her 15 points in the fourth, but it wasn’t enough as Tarleton State came out on top 74-53.
Key statistics
— Long led all players with 21 points on 8/12 shooting from the field
— SUU shot a season-high 50% from three.
— SUU recorded 12 assists on 20 made baskets
What’s next?
Southern Utah will host California Baptist University on Thursday, Feb. 6, at 6:30 p.m. in the America First Event Center. This game can also be streamed on ESPN+.
Author: Jack Paul
Photographer: SUU Athletics
Editor: Chevy Blackburn
