SOUTHERN UTAH SEEKS ROAD REDEMPTION AGAINST TARLETON STATE

STEPHENVILLE, Texas (Interstat) — The Southern Utah Thunderbirds look to avenge a lopsided January loss and solidify their standing when they visit the Tarleton State Texans in a women’s NCAA Division I basketball game Saturday at Wisdom Gym.

Southern Utah (15-7) enters on a four-game winning streak, its latest a 71-68 victory over Abilene Christian last Saturday. The Thunderbirds’ surge follows a 26-point road loss to these same Texans just over three weeks ago. In that Jan. 15 meeting, Tarleton State dominated en route to an 81-55 win.

The Thunderbirds are powered by forward Brooklyn Fely, who is coming off a career performance. Against Abilene Christian, she logged 26 points and 17 rebounds. Over her last five games, Fely is averaging 17.4 points and 8.6 rebounds. Her supporting cast includes Ava Uhrich and Sierra Chambers, who combined for 30 points and 11 assists in the latest win.

Tarleton State (11-10) aims to rebound from a narrow 68-65 road loss to Abilene Christian on Tuesday. The Texans have shown inconsistency but boast the confidence of their earlier rout of Southern Utah. Guard Caroline Lyles, who had 14 points and nine rebounds in a win at Utah Tech on Jan. 31, is a key perimeter threat for the Texans. In the previous matchup, Tarleton State’s defense forced Southern Utah into a season-worst 31.7% shooting from the field.

The game represents a critical conference matchup for both teams as they navigate the second half of their schedules. Southern Utah seeks to prove its recent form is a correction, not a fluke, while Tarleton State looks to defend its home court and complete a regular-season sweep.

Tip-off is set for Saturday, Feb. 7, 2026, in Stephenville.