The Southern Utah University women’s basketball team lost to Utah Tech 83-66 in an away game on February 28. With this result, the Thunderbirds now hold a 19-9 overall record and are 11-5 in Western Athletic Conference play. Utah Tech improved their record to 9-18 overall and 4-13 in the conference.
Sophomore Sierra Chambers led Southern Utah with 16 points and three assists. Junior Brooklyn Fely recorded her tenth double-double of the season, finishing with 11 points, 11 rebounds, and four assists. Senior Ashley Banks contributed off the bench with 11 points and two blocks.
Head coach Tracy Mason commented on the team’s performance: “Rivalry games are always a challenge. We struggled on defense and couldn’t stay out of foul trouble today, which really hurt us down the stretch. Obviously not the result we were looking for, but we’re going to put this behind us and turn our attention to next Thursday.”
Southern Utah started strong, with freshman Devyn Kiernan hitting two three-pointers early in the first quarter. However, Utah Tech responded with a scoring run that gave them a five-point lead after one quarter. Foul trouble for key players like Brooklyn Fely and Ava Uhrich forced Southern Utah to rely more on their bench during the second quarter. Despite efforts from Banks and Chambers at the free throw line, Utah Tech led by twelve at halftime.
In the third quarter, Southern Utah briefly cut into the deficit before more foul trouble sidelined Uhrich. Utah Tech extended their lead to eighteen points by the end of the period. The Thunderbirds attempted a comeback in the fourth quarter as Fely scored several baskets, but could not overcome the large gap.
Southern Utah will play their next game against Utah Valley on Thursday in Orem, with tip-off scheduled for 6:00 p.m. The matchup will be available for viewing on ESPN+. Tickets for upcoming games can be purchased at tbirdtickets.com.
