The Southern Utah women's basketball team faced a heartbreaking 85-80 defeat against Pepperdine in the second round of the Women's National Invitation Tournament, ending their season. Despite overcoming a 17-point deficit to momentarily take the lead, the Thunderbirds fell short, closing their campaign with a 19-13 overall record. Junior Ava Uhrich starred with a double-double, scoring 29 points and grabbing 15 rebounds, while junior Brooklyn Fely added 26 points. Head Coach Tracy Mason praised the team's resilience, highlighting their determination for the following season.

By the Numbers
  • Ava Uhrich recorded 29 points and 15 rebounds, marking her 11th double-double of the season.
  • Brooklyn Fely contributed 26 points, eight rebounds, and five assists.
State of Play
  • Southern Utah managed a remarkable comeback from 17 points down in the second half.
  • The team led briefly in the fourth quarter before falling to Pepperdine's late-game free throws.
What's Next

As they look ahead to next season, Southern Utah will aim to build on the lessons learned from this challenging loss and strengthen their lineup to improve their postseason prospects.

Bottom Line

The Thunderbirds鈥� grit and determination in this defeat highlight their potential for future growth, setting a foundation for a competitive next season.