Celebrating three seniors in their final home game, Southern Utah defeated Sacramento State 77-74.
James McGee, Jamal Aytes and Christian Musoko were all honored pregame for their contributions to the Thunderbird basketball program and their impact showed on Saturday afternoon.
“They were fantastic,” said Head Coach Todd Simon. “Those three seniors had a big role in the outcome in this one and a lot of games.”
Junior forward Dwayne Morgan led the way for SUU in the first half scoring 9 points to lead all scorers. A back and forth affair in the opening 20 minutes in which both team shot 37% from the floor had the Thunderbirds on top 38-34 at the break.
The game came down to the wire late. With 38 seconds left in the game, Sacramento State was trailing by two and inbounding beneath their own basket. McGee was able to tip the inbound pass before it was stolen by Morgan.
This play, a layup from freshman guard Dre Marin and two free throws from junior guard Brandon Better sealed the game for the Thunderbirds.
An emotional McGee reflected on his time in an SUU uniform postgame, recalling one moment that will leave a lasting impression.
“Walking into the group of guys and them embracing me,” shared McGee. “That’s probably one of the top moments of my life.”
Better finished with a game-high 20 points while Aytes finished with 13 points on 6-8 shooting. Morgan flirted with a double-double as he finished with 13 points and a team-high 7 rebounds.
This win propelled SUU to a 11-15 overall record and 5-10 record in Big Sky play.
The Thunderbirds will be back on the road next week for their final two games before the Big Sky Championship in Reno.
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Story By
Colton Gordon for SUU News
coltongordon@suu.edu
Featured Photo By
SUU Athletics Strategic Communications
