Wrapping up a two-game home stand, the Southern Utah University women’s basketball team hosted New Mexico State University on Thursday, Dec. 4. SUU took advantage of a strong second half fueled by sophomore guard Sierra Chambers to come out on top 69-59.
With the win, Southern Utah improves to 7-1 on the year and 5-0 at home. New Mexico State falls to 1-6 on the season and is 0-3 on the road.
First quarter
The Aggies got things going early from behind the arc, hitting two three-pointers in the first three minutes of play. SUU responded by attacking the paint, scoring a layup and four points from the free-throw line to tie things up at 13.
After both teams traded baskets late, New Mexico State’s Anna Csenyi made a floater with 15 seconds remaining to take a two-point lead after quarter one.
Second quarter
Both teams struggled to get shots to fall in quarter two, with only 13 total points scored in the period. SUU went 2/14 from the field and 0/7 from three while the Aggies went 3/12 from the floor.
With a minute to play in the half, Keira Hudson made a three-pointer to give NMSU a 25-20 lead at halftime.
Third quarter
The Aggies continued where they left off, hitting a three-pointer and two layups to take a 12-point lead early in the third. SUU responded by way of Morgan Trigueiro and Chambers. This duo combined to score all 25 of SUU’s points in the third quarter.
Chambers went 5/6 from the field and 2/3 from three while Trigueiro went a perfect 3/3 from three. Chambers’ 16 points in the third quarter was her most in a single quarter in her career.
Despite the pair’s strong performances, New Mexico State’s Lucía Yenes made a jumper with 14 seconds remaining to give the Aggies a 46-45 lead after quarter three.
Fourth quarter
It was all T-Birds in the fourth quarter as SUU got out to a 15-3 run over the first five minutes of play. During this span, Southern Utah forced five turnovers and took an 11-point lead.
Over the next three minutes, both teams traded baskets as SUU would hold their double-digit lead with a minute to play. Brooklyn Fely hit two free throws with 23 seconds left to secure the 69-59 win for SUU.
Key statistics
— SUU shot 81% from the free-throw line compared to NMSU shooting 56%.
— Southern Utah out-rebounded New Mexico State 43-33.
— Despite losing, the Aggies led the game for 25 minutes and 12 seconds compared to SUU holding the lead for only 11 minutes.
Top performers
— Chambers led all players with 28 points and went a perfect 10/10 from the free-throw line. She also notched seven assists, three rebounds and a steal.
— Kortney Doman showed out defensively, notching four steals and three blocks to go along with seven points, two rebounds and two assists.
— Ava Uhrich recorded her third double-double of the season, notching 12 points and 13 rebounds along with two assists and a steal.
— Imani Warren finished with a team-high 15 points for New Mexico State.
What’s next?
Southern Utah will travel to Fort Collins, Colorado to face Colorado State University on Sunday, Dec. 7 at 1 p.m. This game can be streamed live on ESPN+.
Author: Jack Paul
Photographer: SUU Athletics
Editor: Payson Davis