CEDAR CITY, Utah – The Southern Utah University Thunderbirds earned their first Big Sky Conference victory of the season in dramatic fashion against the rival Northern Arizona Lumberjacks, 73-68.
Despite being outscored 36-22 in the paint and allowing 22 points off turnovers, the Thunderbirds secured victory by shooting .500 for the game, including 6-13 from three.
“Obviously, it was a tight game and we’ve been working on being able to play through mistakes, momentum swings and runs,” said Southern Utah head coach Chris Boettcher. “Tonight, we had a core group of girls who were able to focus on what they had to do and made big plays when needed.”
Southern Utah guard Jamie Smith started the game hot for SUU, scoring the first five Thunderbird points on a three pointer and driving layup. Shots falling early for the Thunderbirds. Five minutes into the game, Southern Utah was shooting 5-6 as a team, including 2-2 from three.
Northern Arizona was able to make the most of early SUU turnovers and had a one point lead at the end of the first quarter.
The second quarter was a back-and-forth affair, as both teams exchanged the lead multiple times. In the closing 10 seconds of the half, the Thunderbirds were able to score off a fast break layup by Donna Koerber and then a buzzer-beating two by Dari Frandsen. Those baskets gave the Thunderbirds a 31-28 lead going into the half.
Jamie Smith started the second half the same way she started the first, hitting a deep three to extend the Thunderbird lead to six. Smith continued to lead the Thunderbirds, connecting on three more three pointers, scoring 12 points in the third quarter alone.
Heading into the fourth quarter, Southern Utah commanded a 53-45 lead.
Northern Arizona started a furious comeback in the fourth, however, and with 3:30 left in the game the Southern Utah lead was down to just three points. The score remained 65-62 for a whole minute before Jessica Richardson connect on two free throws to make the score 67-62.
Without wasting any time on the clock, Northern Arizona’s Rene Coggins responded with a three on the ensuing possession to make it a one-point game.
The Thunderbirds broke through the Lumberjack press and Northern Arizona’s leading scorer Alyssa Rader was called for her fifth and eliminating foul away from the ball. Jessica Richardson went to the line and connected on one of two free throws to make the game 68-66.
The Lumberjacks responded again, hitting a layup to tie up the game at 68 with 34 seconds remaining.
Following a Thunderbird timeout, Jamie Smith lobbed a pass to Jessica Richardson, who was waiting under the hoop, but was fouled from behind. Richardson hit both free throws to make the score 70-68 with 23.5 remaining in the game.
With an opportunity to tie the game, Northern Arizona’s Taylor Leyva drove to the basket, but Donna Koerber successfully defended her shot and Jessica Richardson got the rebound. Richardson was fouled and hit 1-2 free throws.
Northern Arizona’s last chance came on an elbow three by Catelyn Preston, but the shot was long and the ball bounced into the arms of Richardson again, who was immediately fouled and hit both her free throws.
Jamie Smith finished with 20 points, 4 assists and 3 steals. Jessica Richardson had 18 points to go with 12 rebounds. Alyssa Rader scored 22 points to lead the Lumberjacks. As a team, Southern Utah out-rebounded Northern Arizona 41-31.
The Thunderbirds’ final two games of the season will be next week at home against Wednesday, March 2, against Sacramento State and Friday, March 4, against Portland State.
Both games can be heard over the airwaves on KSUB 590 and viewed online at WatchBigSky.com. Tickets can be purchased online at tbirdtickets.com or at the Centrum Ticket Office.
Hayden Coombs 