Slew of Threes Not Enough for SUU in Loss to Fresno State

FRESNO, Calif. - A monster third quarter from the Southern Utah University women's basketball team wasn't enough to propel the Thunderbirds to a win against Fresno State, resulting in a 67-59 loss. SUU falls to 0-3 before Saturday's home opener, while the Bulldogs jump to 3-1.

Head Coach Tracy Mason Said:

"I was proud of our effort and how we competed. We played together on the offensive end, assisting on 21 of our 22 baskets. We needed a few more shots to fall in the fourth. I thought Lexi really stepped up for us. She was a huge spark on the defensive end as well as the boards."

Top T-Birds

• Jaeden Brown scored a season-high 13 points on 62.5% shooting from the field, adding seven rebounds and a block.
• Sydney Gandy also recorded a season-high 13 points along with five assists.
• Lexi Bull's contributions off the bench included six rebounds, five assists and a steal.

First Half

The Bulldogs burst out to an early 13-point lead, but Bull and Gandy spurred a late-quarter effort, combining for seven points and two assists to draw the team back within range, cutting the lead to only six.

Fresno State extended their lead to 13 once again to start the second quarter, with SUU battling their way back to a 36-29 game with a well-rounded team attack captained by Daylani Ballena.

Second Half

The Thunderbird offense erupted in the third, scoring four unanswered three-pointers in less than two minutes. This allowed Southern Utah, who outscored Fresno State 20-11 in the quarter, to snatch a 49-47 lead.

Despite two last-minute threes from Samantha Johnston, the team couldn't hold the lead in the fourth and was forced into foul trouble, slipping to a 67-59 loss.

Up Next

The Thunderbirds will return to the America First Event Center for their first official home game of the season on Saturday, Nov. 16 at 2:00 p.m. against the University of Idaho Vandals. The game will also be broadcast live on ESPN+.