By: Keller Sherman
Featured Image Courtesy of Utah Valley Athletics
OREM, Utah — Southern Utah led by as much as 19 points on a handful of occasions and nearly blew it. Utah Valley pulled all the way back to within 3, but the Thunderbirds did just enough to escape with a 75-70 win. Spoiling UVU’s homecoming game in which the Wolverines donned their Devil Bears uniforms, SUU capped off a 4-0 record against its in-state conference rivals. The Thunderbirds have already defeated Utah Tech twice.
Stars of the Game
Samantha Johnston led all scorers with 20 points. Megan Jensen scored 19 in her return to Orem while two Thunderbirds scored 12 points apiece. Lizzy Willamson and Daylani Ballena made up for a quiet day from Cherita Daugherty. Daugherty had combined for 48 points in her last two games but was held to only 5 against UVU. If she had been able to score more, perhaps this game would have been a more comfortable win for the Thunderbirds.
Up Next
The Thunderbirds return to the America First Event Center for two games this week. UT-Rio Grande Valley comes in on Thursday looking to avenge the beatdown that took place in their meeting just over a week ago. That is followed by a huge game that will likely have 1st place in the WAC on the line. As long as Stephen F Austin takes care of business against Utah Tech on Thursday, they will set up that huge showdown on Saturday. A Trailblazer win sets the Ladyjacks two games behind the Thunderbirds in the WAC standings if SUU handles business against the Vaqueros.