UT Arlington Defeats Southern Utah University In Western Athletic Conference Tournament

The Southern Utah University women's basketball team faced a tough defeat against UT Arlington, falling 67-53 in the First Round of the 2024 Western Athletic Conference Women's Basketball Tournament held at Orleans Arena. Despite a commendable effort, the Thunderbirds concluded their season with an 8-22 record, while the Lady Mavericks advanced with a 16-15 season record.

In her final game as a Thunderbird, Alexa Lord showcased her skills, contributing 14 points and 13 rebounds, securing a double-double. Freshman Ava Uhrich also made an impact with 11 points and five rebounds, while Samantha Johnston led the team with five assists, alongside seven points, four rebounds, two blocks, and one steal.

The game saw a back-and-forth battle early on, with Lord's layup putting the Thunderbirds briefly ahead 3-2, only for UT Arlington to regain the lead. Despite efforts from Uhrich and Johnston, the Lady Mavericks surged ahead with a 39-23 lead at halftime.

Lord continued to lead Southern Utah offensively in the third quarter, tallying nine points, but UT Arlington maintained a significant advantage heading into the final quarter, leading 57-41. Although the Thunderbirds managed to outscore their opponents 12-10 in the fourth quarter, it wasn't enough to secure a win, resulting in a final score of 67-53 in favor of the Lady Mavericks.

Reflecting on the season, Head Coach Tracy Mason emphasized the value of the experience gained, particularly for the team's younger players, as they look to build upon this season's efforts for future success.

To keep connected with the Southern Utah Women's basketball team follow @SUUWBasketball on X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram and like the SUU Women's Basketball Facebook page.