By: Keller Sherman
Featured Image Courtesy of Southern Utah Athletics
CEDAR CITY, Utah — Something good might have come from dropping a game on the recent Texas road trip. By going 1-1 in the Lone Star State, Southern Utah was able to celebrate in its own building. That celebration was for the Thunderbirds clinching at least a share of the WAC regular season title on Tuesday night. An 83-75 win over California Baptist helped SUU become a conference champion in its first year in the WAC. However, this team is not done yet. The Thunderbirds are either a win away or a Stephen F Austin loss away from an outright crown. As is always the case in these situations, never rely on the help needed, but on the destiny that is controlled.
How It Happened
Tomekia Whitman scored in double figures for the fourth straight game. This time, she had a game-high for the Thunderbirds with 25 points. Her presence off the bench has played a significant role in SUU’s success this season. Lizzy Willamson double-doubled yet again with 14 points and 13 rebounds for her tenth double-double of the season. Megan Jensen had 17 points while the three other starters each went for 9. Cherita Daugherty was held back from reaching double figures going 1-for-4 from the free throw line. Daylani Ballena’s 1-for-4 showing from three-point range prevented her from reaching 10 points. Meanwhile, all 9 of Samantha Johnston’s points came from a distance.
Up Next
The regular season finale against Grand Canyon has the potential to end in another sweet celebration. This time, the Thunderbirds can claim the WAC regular season title all for themselves. While the WAC resume seeding system prevents SUU from taking the 1 seed in the WAC tournament, the Thunderbirds are all but assured the 2 seed regardless of Thursday’s outcome.