SUU Set to Face Utah Valley in Toughest WAC Test Yet

The Southern Utah University (SUU) women's basketball team is gearing up for a pivotal Western Athletic Conference (WAC) matchup against the Utah Valley University (UVU) Wolverines on Thursday, January 8, at 6:30 p.m. at the America First Event Center.

 

Head Coach Tracy Mason emphasized the importance of preparation, stating, "UVU is a strong team, and we know we need to be as prepared as possible to be successful against their defense. Taking care of the ball will be key in making this a competitive matchup."

 

**Game Details**

 

Who: Southern Utah (10-4, 2-0 WAC) vs. Utah Valley (9-5, 2-1 WAC)

When: Thursday, January 8, at 6:30 p.m.

Where: America First Event Center

Watch: ESPN+

 

**Matchup History**

 

SUU holds a 20-10 all-time record against the Wolverines. Last season, the teams split their WAC matchups. The Thunderbirds secured a 72-63 victory in the first game, highlighted by a dominant 27-point performance from now-junior Ava Uhrich. However, they fell 53-48 in a tightly contested defensive battle in the second game.

 

**The Thunderbirds**

 

Despite being picked last in the WAC preseason rankings, SUU has defied expectations, opening conference play with a 2-0 record and achieving a 10-4 overall standing. This strong start places them at the top of the conference standings. Notably, the last time the Thunderbirds reached double-digit wins, they clinched the WAC Championship and earned a bid to the NCAA Tournament.

 

Offensively, SUU leads the WAC, averaging 77.1 points per game. Their shooting accuracy has been impressive: 42.4% from the field, 33.3% from three-point range, and a conference-leading 73.1% from the free-throw line. Their success is also attributed to a robust passing game and exceptional offensive rebounding, averaging 15.8 assists and a conference-high 14.7 offensive rebounds per game, contributing to a dominant +10.8 rebounding margin.

 

Juniors Ava Uhrich and Brooklyn Fely have been instrumental in the rebounding effort, ranking among the WAC's top three rebounders with 8.9 and 8.7 rebounds per game, respectively. Both have recorded five double-doubles and average over 10 points per game.

 

Sophomore Sierra Chambers has emerged as the team's leading scorer, ranking second in the conference with 15.9 points per game. Her 89.5% free-throw accuracy leads the WAC and ranks third nationally among players with at least 70 attempts.

 

**Scouting Report: Utah Valley Wolverines**

 

The 9-5 Wolverines have demonstrated resilience, with their only conference loss coming against the formidable California Baptist Lancers. They enter the matchup against SUU with a 2-1 WAC record, following a narrow 69-67 victory over Abilene Christian.

 

While UVU's offense has been modest, their defense has been formidable, holding opponents to an average of 58.1 points per game. They lead the conference with an impressive 17.3 steals per game, capitalizing on these opportunities to score an average of 25.1 points off turnovers.

 

**Tickets and Community Events**

 

Fans are encouraged to support the Thunderbirds by attending the game. Season tickets, mini packages, and single-game tickets are available. For more information, visit the official SUU athletics website https://suutbirds.com