Looking to keep a spotless conference record, the Southern Utah University women’s basketball team will host Utah Valley University on Thursday, Jan. 8 at 6:30 p.m.
This game will also be streamed live on ESPN+.
Southern Utah
The T-Birds have been on fire this season, brandishing a 10-4 record and a perfect 2-0 standing in the Western Athletic Conference. They’re also 6-0 at home.
While posting a few low-scoring games recently, the Southern Utah offense is still mighty. SUU’s big three, Sierra Chambers, Brooklyn Fely and Ava Uhrich, have been contributing especially hard on every part of the floor.
SUU’s defense has been just as important. They hold opponents to shooting 30.7% from three and box out would-be threats with strong rebounding and shot blocking.
The only major category SUU falls behind opponents in is steals, which could pose a problem against a UVU team that averages 17.3 steals per game to Southern Utah’s 5.5.
Utah Valley
The Wolverines are 9-5 on the year and hold a WAC record of 2-1. Six of their last seven games were either wins or single-digit losses.
UVU’s claim to fame is being the top team in the nation in steals. This is an all-around team trait, as their steal leader Cambree Blackham is ranked No. 22 in Division One. The Wolverines have nine players that average a steal per game or more.
Utah Valley also has a trio of stars like SUU. Blackham, Amanda Barcello and Halle Nelson drive the Wolverine offense and appear at the top of most statistical categories.
The teams are familiar opponents, with the T-Birds holding a 20-10 record all-time against the Wolverines. Despite losing the most recent matchup, SUU won the previous five.
Author: Payson Davis
Photographer: SUU Athletics
Editor: Briar Adams
