Coming off a win against their rival, the Southern Utah University women’s basketball team faced off against Utah Valley University on Saturday, Feb. 15, in Orem, Utah. SUU controlled the majority of the game and came out on top 72-63.
With the win, SUU is 6-19 overall and 4-8 in the Western Athletic Conference. Utah Valley falls to 13-10, 5-6 in the WAC, and has now lost four straight.
First quarter
Utah Valley started the quarter on a 6-0 run, but it was all Southern Utah after that. Ava Uhrich scored 11 of SUU’s 15 points and gave SUU a 20-13 lead after the first.
The Thunderbirds held Utah Valley without a field goal over the last five minutes in the quarter.
Second quarter
SUU continued where they left off, going on a 7-0 run and taking a 27-13 lead. Over the next five minutes, UVU was really aggressive on offense, going eight of 10 from the free-throw line, cutting the lead to six.
SUU bounced back, going on a 6-2 over the last two minutes, thanks to four points from Lexi Bull and gave SUU the 35-25 lead at the half.
Third quarter
Both teams struggled to score in the third. SUU shot just 33% from the field and 0/5 from three, while UVU went 4/16 from the field and 1/4 from three.
Daylani Ballena dropped 10 points in the third and helped SUU take a 52-40 lead into the fourth quarter.
Fourth quarter
Looking to seal the game, Southern Utah turned to Samantha Johnston and Uhrich. The duo combined for 14 points in the fourth and helped give SUU the 72-63 win.
SUU wins their second-straight game and is just one game back from sixth place in the WAC.
Key statistics
— Uhrich and Ballena combined for 48 points
— Halle Nelson led UVU with 11 points
— SUU recorded a season-high 11 blocks
What’s next?
Southern Utah will return home to face Abilene Christian University on Wednesday, Feb. 19, 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
