Trying to gain traction in the Western Athletic Conference, the Southern Utah University women’s basketball team hosted Utah Valley University on Saturday, Mar. 1. It was a gritty, defensive game that resulted in a 53-48 win for UVU.
With it being senior night, this is the last time Daylani Ballena, Lexi Bull, Sydney Gandy, Samantha Johnston, and Jayden Brown will lace it up in the America First Event Center.
With the loss, Southern Utah falls to 8-20 on the year and 6-9 in the WAC. Utah Valley improves to 16-10 on the season and 8-6 in conference play.
First quarter
Bull and Gandy combined for six points through the first four minutes, giving SUU a 6-5 lead. Utah Valley rallied, tightening the defense and holding the T-Birds scoreless through the remaining six minutes.
Amanda Barcello led UVU with five points in the first quarter and gave the Wolverines a 10-6 lead.
Second quarter
Utah Valley continued to play strong defense, making it challenging for SUU to score. Gandy and Brown dropped in layups, cutting the lead to five with six minutes to go in the half.
UVU responded with a 10-0 run over the remaining six minutes to take a commanding 26-11 lead at the half.
Third quarter
Both teams played evenly in the third, with neither gaining a large advantage. Sierra Chambers hit a big three late in the third, but Saige Gibb responded with a three at the buzzer to give the Wolverines a 17-point lead.
Fourth quarter
Aiming to make a comeback, the T-Birds started the fourth on a 10-1 run through the first three minutes. UVU rallied, pushing the lead back to 11 with four minutes to play.
SUU responded again with an 11-2 run, cutting the lead to just two with 27 seconds left. Ally Criddle went one of two from the line to push the lead to three.
Gandy had a look with seven seconds left to tie it but missed it and Utah Valley would go on to win 53-48.
Key statistics
— Utah Valley grabbed 14 offensive rebounds
— Gandy led SUU scorers with 13 points
— Southern Utah committed 19 turnovers
What’s next?
Southern Utah will conclude the regular season on the road when they take on Seattle University on Thursday, Mar. 6, at 7 p.m. This game can be streamed on ESPN+.
Author: Jack Paul
Photographer: Gannon Lovisa
Editor: Chevy Blackburn
