In a critical conference game, the Southern Utah University women’s basketball team faced off against Utah Tech University on Thursday, Feb. 13, in St. George, Utah. SUU used a 23-point fourth quarter to sneak away with the 69-66 win.
With the win, SUU improves to 5-19 overall and 3-8 in the Western Athletic Conference. Utah Tech falls to 5-17 overall and 1-8 in the WAC.
First quarter
It was a slow start to the first quarter, as neither team could build any momentum on offense. Southern Utah held a 5-1 lead through the first six minutes of play before Utah Tech would go on a run.
The Trailblazers would go on a 15-5 run over the last four minutes of the quarter, taking a 16-10 lead.
Second quarter
Both teams kept it close in the second quarter, with SUU’s Daylani Ballena scoring nine second-quarter points. A layup by Mylee Graham with 30 seconds left gave Utah Tech a six-point lead.
SUU’s Kortney Doman responded with a three with four seconds left to cut the lead to 32-28 at the half in favor of the Trailblazers.
Third quarter
Utah Tech got an eight-point lead early, but Southern Utah didn’t waver. Ava Uhrich added six points for the T-Birds and helped cut the lead to three.
Late free throws from Ellie Taylor stretched the lead by five for the Trailblazers heading into the fourth quarter.
Fourth quarter
Trying to mount a comeback, SUU turned to Lexi Bull and Samantha Johnston. The duo combined for 13 points and was key to helping SUU take the lead late. Ballena hit two free throws with 5.8 seconds left to give SUU the one-point lead.
Taylor, with a chance to win it for Utah Tech, missed a jumper as time was about to expire, giving SUU the 69-66 win.
Key statistics
— Taylor led all scorers with 21 points
— Ballena, Uhrich and Johnston combined for 44 points
— SUU grabbed 17 offensive rebounds
What’s next?
Southern Utah will travel to Orem, Utah, to face Utah Valley University on Saturday, Feb. 15 at 2 p.m. This game can be streamed on ESPN+.
Author: Jack Paul
Photographer: Gannon Lovisa
Editor: Chevy Blackburn
