In what will be the final two home games, the Southern Utah University women’s basketball team will host Utah Tech University on Thursday, Feb. 27, at 6:30 p.m. Following this game, SUU will take on Utah Valley University on Saturday, Mar. 1 at 6:30 p.m.
Both games will be played in the America First Event Center or can be streamed on ESPN+.
Southern Utah
Although it hasn’t been the season SUU expected, Tracy Mason’s squad is finding its stride at the right time. Southern Utah is 7-19 overall, 5-8 in the Western Athletic Conference, and on a three-game win streak.
One main reason for this success has been the stellar play from Daylani Ballena, Ava Uhrich and Lexi Bull. This trio has excelled on both ends of the court, giving SUU some extra energy.
Ballena and Uhrich have combined for 36.3 points per game while shooting 48% from the field in this three-game span. Even though Bull hasn’t been a major offensive threat, her defense and energy on the court has proved to be critical. Bull leads the team averaging 6.6 rebounds per game.
Utah Tech
It has been a season to forget for the Trailblazers. Utah Tech is 5-20 overall, 1-10 in WAC play, and on a nine-game losing streak. In their last meeting against Southern Utah, the Trailblazers led for a majority of the game before falling behind in the end.
The defense has been the achilles heel for UTU. Utah Tech is giving up 74.8 points per game, ranking last in the WAC. The Trailblazers also struggle on offense, shooting a league-low 36.3% from the field.
Despite the team’s struggles, Emily Isaacson has been one of the best players in the WAC. Isaacson averages 13.4 points per game and is coming off her best game of the season, dropping a season-high 22 points on 8/20 shooting.
Utah Valley
With an up-and-down season, UVU will look to end the year strong. Utah Valley is 15-10 on the year and 7-6 in WAC play. In their last meeting against SUU, the Wolverines fell 72-63.
UVU struggled defensively against the Thunderbird offense, giving up 72 points on 43.5% shooting. Utah Valley also struggled to rebound the ball, losing 43-35 on the boards.
If UVU wants revenge against SUU, they need their star guard, Tahlia White, to play her best. White is averaging 12 ppg, but scored just eight points on 2/13 shooting from the field against SUU on Feb. 15.
SUU is 12-7 all-time against Utah Tech and 20-9 all-time against Utah Valley.
Author: Jack Paul
Photographer: Gannon Lovisa
Editor: Chevy Blackburn