The Southern Utah University women’s basketball team will face two Western Athletic Conference opponents over Valentine’s weekend. They will first travel to Riverside, California, to take on top-ranked California Baptist University on Thursday, Feb. 12, at 7 p.m. They will head back to Cedar to face the University of Texas at Arlington on Saturday, Feb. 14, in the America First Event Center at 2 p.m.
Both games will be streamed live on ESPN+.
Southern Utah
The Thunderbirds were on a hot streak of four games until last week when they lost a close game to Tarleton State University. They now have a 15-8 overall record and sit at 7-4 against conference teams. Southern Utah currently sits at third in the conference, but is closing in on No. 2 Abilene Christian University.
The Thunderbirds have put together an outstanding season, already winning more games than they have in the past two seasons. Their success has partially stemmed from the addition of forward Brooklyn Fely. The transfer from Umpqua Community College has instantly become a force on the floor, averaging 12 points and eight rebounds per game.
Ava Uhrich is likewise having an amazing third year, leading the team with 10 rebounds per game and ranking second in points. Sierra Chambers is also putting up big numbers in her second year. She is leading the team in both points with 15 and assists with four, making her presence on the floor felt every night.
California Baptist
The Lancers are the top dog in the conference. They’ve gone 10-1 in WAC play and have a 16-8 overall record.
Cal Baptist is on a five-game win streak after a previous five-game win streak was disrupted by an upset loss to ACU. The Lancers rematched the Wildcats in their latest game and got a three-point victory. The Thunderbirds are looking to bring CBU’s winning streak to a screeching halt.
A key for the Thunderbirds to win this match will be rebounding. CBU ranks No. 5 in the NCAA for defensive rebounds and are top 25 in total rebounds. SUU ranks top 15 in rebounding margin, total rebounds and defensive rebounds.
SUU and CBU have faced off once this year already, with the Lancers emerging victorious 82-77. The teams will face off for a third time in March.
UT Arlington
UTA comes into this game ranked No. 5 in the conference. They’ve gone 4-7 in conference play and hold a 10-13 overall record. The Mavericks and Thunderbirds have played twice this season, with SUU coming out on top in both matchups.
The Mavs have struggled to stay consistent this season, but have recently found some rhythm. They’re coming off two big overtime wins against Utah Tech University and Utah Valley University. UTA will be looking to keep the ball rolling and get one win over the Thunderbirds this season.
Despite being inconsistent, two overtime wins show the team can find ways to win. The Thunderbirds need to not underestimate their opponent and maintain a healthy lead.
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Author: Andrew Streeter
Photographer: SUU Athletics
Editor: Payson Davis
