By: Keller Sherman
Featured Image Courtesy of Southern Utah Athletics
CEDAR CITY, Utah — Just 12 days ago, Southern Utah recorded its biggest margin of victory in the WAC this season. When the Thunderbirds and Vaqueros did battle in Edinburg, the Thunderbirds cruised to an 84-55 victory. To complete the season sweep of UT-Rio Grande Valley, SUU will need to turn in a similar effort. The Thunderbirds cannot afford to look ahead to Saturday’s big showdown with Stephen F Austin.
Last Time Out
The Thunderbirds watched a 15-point lead to begin the 4th quarter evaporate right before their eyes. While SUU has dominated the 4th quarter in many games this season, Utah Valley outscored the Thunderbirds by 10 in the final frame. Seeing its 15-point lead cut to 3, SUU played with grit to escape Orem with a 75-70 win. The Thunderbirds may have played one of their most sloppy 4th quarters of the season, but they did enough to get the win. Four starters were in double figures with Samantha Johnston leading all Thunderbirds with 20 points.
Know Your Opponent
In the first meeting between the teams, the Vaqueros only got 20 points from their starters. Charlotte O’Keefe and Halie Jones came off the bench and outscored the starters themselves combining for 30 points. Holding these players in check will go a long way as SUU hopes to avoid a loss in a big trap game. UTRGV is coming off a 75-71 win over Abilene Christian and enters the game with some momentum.