CEDAR CITY, Utah — The Thunderbirds shot 56 percent from the field to defeat Portland State 83-69 on Thursday evening, earning their third win in a row. SUU is now 8-7 overall and 3-3 in the Big Sky.
“I think the most important thing was that the guys played with poise,” SUU head coach Todd Simon said. “Obviously they’re a pressure, defensive team. They pick up full for 40 minutes, and I thought our guys did a good job of maintaining their poise against the press and getting into the offense.”
Five T-Birds scored double digits with Cameron Oluyitan leading the way, scoring 18 points. Jacob Calloway followed with 16 points, Andre Adams scored 14, Brandon Better scored 13 and Harrison Butler netted 11.
SUU jumped out to a quick 11-2 lead, capped off by a three-pointer from Calloway. The T-Birds never trailed in the first half as they took a 36-33 lead into the break.
PSU took their first lead, 55-54, after Holland Woods made two technical free throws with 10:25 left to play. SUU finished the game on a 20-6 run to put the victory away.
Derek Brown led PSU with 16 points and Michael Nuga followed with 13.
The Thunderbirds return to the America First Event Center on Saturday at 1 p.m. against the Sacramento State Hornets. The game will be streamed on Pluto TV Channel 236 and aired on KSUB 590 AM.
Story by: Aaron Peterson
aapete3232@gmail.com
Photo by: SUU Athletics Strategic Communication
