By: Keller Sherman
Featured Image Courtesy of Tarleton Athletics
STEPHENVILLE, Texas — For the second time in as many games, Southern Utah had to play an extra 5 minutes. Having lost their last such contest 83-89 at Abilene Christian, the Thunderbirds were determined to not let that happen again. SUU bounced back from Thursday’s loss with an 80-78 overtime win at Tarleton. Tomekia Whitman had 23 points while Daylani Ballena had 22 as the Thunderbirds escaped Wisdom Gym with the win. Their combined 45 points helped hold off a 23-point effort from Tarleton’s Teresa Da Silva. The Thunderbirds kept space ahead of Stephen F Austin for 1st place in the WAC with two games to go.
One Win Away
With Saturday’s victory, SUU is one win away from clinching a share of the WAC regular season title. They just need to beat either California Baptist or Grand Canyon at home next week. The Lancers visit Cedar City on Tuesday while the Lopes come in on Thursday. SUU defeated GCU in a 63-60 thriller in Phoenix last month and they have yet to play Cal Baptist this year. Win both or Stephen F Austin drops one of its last two and the Thunderbirds have the regular season crown outright.