OGDEN, Utah (February 23, 2017) – All season long, the Southern Utah Thunderbirds have toiled and fought for a league victory.
So many times, Southern Utah could’ve uttered so many words after so many close losses.
After Thursday’s 82-64 win over Portland State, the Thunderbirds could clearly utter one word – finally.
Southern Utah led after every quarter, leading 39-31 at halftime. A strong night offensively helped the Thunderbirds, with SUU shooting 48 percent in the game. Also, the Thunderbirds owned the game defensively, closing out Portland State to 37 percent.
Where Southern Utah made a living was in forcing turnovers, forcing 28 Vikings turnovers. The Thunderbirds took advantage of their fortune, scoring 34 points off the Portland State errors.
The Thunderbirds were led by Jessica Richardson, who finished with 25 points. Darri Frandsen also had a double-double of 12 points and 11 rebounds. Sidney Rielly led Portland State with 15 points.
Northern Arizona 91, Sacramento State 88 – A decidedly up-tempo contest ended with the Northern Arizona Lumberjacks picking up another league win, gaining momentum in the final stretches of the #RoadToReno.
The Lumberjacks shot 51 percent from the field, leading 44-39 at halftime. However, Northern Arizona would never lead by more than 13 points, and the Hornets shot themselves back into the game in the third quarter, tying the game at 71-71 heading into the final period.
In spite of the loss, Sacramento State held massive advantages in several statistical categories, as they forced 20 turnovers and held a 51-16 advantage in points in the paint. Still, Northern Arizona’s ability to share the ball made a difference, as the Lumberjacks had 24 assists on 35 baskets.
Four Lumberjacks finished in double-digits, but it was Catelyn Preston who had the leading performance. Preston finished with a double-double of 24 points and 11 rebounds, making 10-of-15 shots.
Idaho State 80, Idaho 69 – The battle for the state of Idaho goes to Idaho State after the regular season, with a potential future matchup on the #RoadToReno being the only other potential meeting place. .
A sustained run in the second and third quarters lifted the Idaho State Bengals to a home win over the Idaho Vandals, with the Bengals pushing forward in the race for the conference’s fourth spot. After Idaho held an 18-14 lead after the first quarter, Idaho State outscored the Vandals 46-32 over the next two periods, taking a 60-50 lead into the final quarter.
Idaho State was the picture of efficiency on the night, making 54 percent of their shots, and making 12-of-18 three-point shots. Conversely, the Bengals held the Vandals to 23 percent shooting from behind the three-point line. Also, the Vandals were held to just a 2-of-12 performance to end the game.
Freya Newton led the Bengals with 21 points, while Estefania Ors contributed 14 points. Brooke Reilly led the Vandals with 13 points.
Eastern Washington 70, Weber State 42 – The Eastern Washington Eagles set up a crucial contest in Pocatello Saturday, as the Eagles stayed in the driver’s seat for the conference’s fourth spot with a road win at Weber State.
The Eagles played a strong game defensively, holding Weber State to just 32 percent shooting. Also, the Wildcats made just 2-of-23 three-point attempts. Eastern Washington led 37-23 at halftime, and led 51-27 entering the final period.
Ashli Payne led the Eagles with 11 points, while Delaney Hodgins contributed 10 points to the cause. J’aimoni Welch-Coleman led Weber State with 10 points.