Coming off a week’s rest, the Southern Utah University women’s basketball team hosted in-state rival Utah Tech University on Thursday, Feb. 27 in the America First Event Center. SUU dominated from the tipoff, winning 78-51 and finishing 2-0 against Utah Tech on the season.
With the win, Southern Utah improves to 10-19 on the year, 6-8 in the Western Athletic Conference, and is on a four-game win streak. Utah Tech falls to 5-21 on the year, 1-12 in conference play, and is on a 10-game losing streak.
First quarter
Both teams came out quick on offense, with Southern Utah taking a small 7-6 lead through the first three minutes of play. From then on, it was all Thunderbirds. SUU would go on an 18-2 run to finish the quarter and take a 25-8 lead.
Daylani Ballena would lead SUU with seven points in the first period.
Second quarter
It was all Sierra Chambers in quarter two for SUU. The freshman knocked down four three-pointers and helped continue the offensive onslaught for Southern Utah.
SUU shot 10/17 from the field and 7/9 from three in quarter two and entered halftime with a 54-22 lead.
Third quarter
Utah Tech was able to slow down SUU as the Thunderbirds started the second half 2/7 from the field. The Trailblazers strung together a 10-0 run to cut the lead to 25.
Southern Utah quickly answered with a 9-0 run of their own to finish out the quarter and held a 69-35 lead going into the fourth.
Fourth quarter
With the game out of reach, both teams were able to empty the bench and see different players get playing time. Denver Anderson and Olivia Malafu combined for SUU for five points, while Lauren Crocker added three points for Utah Tech.
Southern Utah controlled the game from the beginning, resulting in a 78-51 win and a season sweep against the Trailblazers.
Key Statistics
— Chambers scored a career-high 16 points on 5/6 from three
— Chardonnay Hartley led Utah Tech with 13 points
— SUU had five different girls score double figures
— SUU’s 51 points allowed is the fewest in a conference game this season
What’s next?
Southern Utah will host Utah Valley University on Saturday, Mar. 1, 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
