In revenge for their heartbreaking loss earlier this month, the Southern Utah University women’s basketball team took down Tarleton State University on Wednesday, Feb. 18, in the America First Event Center. SUU defeated Tarleton 76-69.
SUU has won seven of its last eight games and improved to an 18-8 record. They hold a 10-4 conference record after starting conference play 3-3.
Tarleton State fell to 12-13. They carry a 6-8 conference record and have lost five of their last seven.
First quarter
SUU started out hot, hitting three jumpers to take a 6-2 lead. After Tarleton knotted the score, the Thunderbirds changed strategies, sinking two triples to take a comfortable lead near the break.
SUU ended the quarter on a 7-0 run, with each point scored by Sierra Chambers. She didn’t take nearly as many shots as she usually does, but still had a big offensive impact this game.
Second quarter
The T-Birds scored the first four points of the quarter, but were held scoreless over the next five minutes. The Texans were able to cut the lead to five points, but SUU scored six of the last eight points of the quarter.
SUU led 30-21 at halftime. The teams shot abysmally from three this quarter, combining to go 1-9 from behind the arc.
Third quarter
The Thunderbirds went on a tear out of the break, pushing the advantage to double-digits and reaching a 16-point lead.
SUU didn’t even need to break out the deep shot this quarter, shooting 55% from two-point range.
Fourth quarter
The final period was dominated by free throws. The teams combined for 13 attempts in the rest of the game and 26 attempts this quarter.
SUU kept their foot on the gas, starting off on a 9-2 run that all but shut the door on the Texans’ hopes. They ended up comfortably winning, 76-69.
Top T-Birds
— Chambers had 15 points, five assists and three rebounds.
— Brooklyn Fely crashed the glass with 11 points, eight rebounds, four assists and a steal.
— Freshman Devyn Kiernan hit three triples on the way to 17 points, four rebounds, two steals, an assist and a block.
— Ava Uhrich had her best game of the last few, dropping 24 points, 10 rebounds, six assists and a steal.
What’s next?
The team will host Abilene Christian University for the final home game of the year. It’ll be on Sunday, Feb. 22, at 2 p.m. in the AFEC.
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Author: Payson Davis
Photographer: SUU Athletics
Editor: Fanny Felixine
