Off to their best start in school history, the Southern Utah University women’s basketball team headed to Fort Collins, Colorado to face Colorado State University on Dec. 7. SUU’s offense struggled against the stout Rams defense, falling 70-47 to CSU.
With the loss, Southern Utah falls to 7-2 on the year and 2-2 on the road. Colorado State improves to 8-2 on the season and 5-1 at home.
First quarter
Each team hit a three-pointer to open the game before CSU added two baskets to take an early 7-3 lead. SUU attacked from beyond the arc early, hitting three of their first four threes.
Later in the quarter, SUU would make two jumpers to give the T-Birds a 13-11 lead. The Rams then went on a 10-0 run over the last three minutes to hold a 21-13 lead after one.
Second quarter
Southern Utah opened the quarter on a 7-0 run through the first three and a half minutes. Brooklyn Fely led the way on this run, scoring five of SUU’s seven points.
Colorado State responded with their own 13-5 run, taking a nine-point lead with four minutes left. Despite a layup from Sierra Chambers, the Rams continued to play strong defense mixed with a consistent offense, holding a 37-27 lead at half.
Lexus Bargesser led all players with 12 points at the half, followed by Fely with eight.
Third quarter
Coming out of halftime, it was all Colorado State. The Rams held SUU scoreless through the first four minutes of play. In that span, CSU went on a 13-0 run and held a 23-point lead.
Fely broke the scoring drought for SUU with a made free throw and forward Denver Anderson gave the T-Birds their first field goal of the quarter at the five-minute mark.
Although Southern Utah fought hard, Colorado State finished the quarter strong and held a 57-37 lead after three.
Fourth quarter
Despite the large deficit, SUU didn’t quit. The T-Birds opened on a 8-0 run through the first five minutes. Just as Southern Utah looked to cut the lead to single digits, Colorado State slammed the door shut.
CSU would go on to win 70-47, holding SUU to a season-low 26.3% shooting from the field.
Top T-Birds
— Chambers and Emily Scholtes went a combined 6/6 from the free-throw line.
— Kourtney Doman led the team with four assists and two steals.
— Fely led all SUU players with 16 points and 14 rebounds. This was Fely’s fourth double-double of the season.
What’s next?
Southern Utah will continue on the road to face Boise State University on Saturday, Dec. 13, at 1 p.m. This game can be streamed live on the Mountain West Conference website.
Author: Jack Paul
Photographer: SUU Athletics
Editor: Payson Davis
