CEDAR CITY, Utah — The thunderbirds took care of business against Eastern Washington nad came out victorious 76-62.
The Thunderbirds started the game off with an 8-0 run. The Eagles began to match SUU’s level of intensity, as both teams went back and forth on the scoreboard during the first half.
Midway though the first half, the teams tied at 12, not giving up any easy points. Dre Marin began to show his ability to knock down the three shooting 5-6 from the arc, giving the T-birds some breathing room.
As the first half came to a close, Southern Utah took a seven point lead with a minute remaining and they would remain in control at the half, 33-30.
As the second half of play began, both teams continued battling neck and neck on the scoreboard. SUU controlled most of the second half, shooting 4-7 from three. Things got chippy and physical down the stretch, but Southern Utah managed to remain calm and focused.
Harrison Butler electrified Southern Utah’s bench and crowd with a monster slam dunk midway through the second half.
Southern Utah led by as much as 14 with 6:30 remaining in the second half, and eventually ran away with the game, after Cameron Oluytian picked stole the ball and finished a fast break with a dunk.
Dre Marin led SUU with 20 points, and Jacob Calloway contributed with 17. Harrison Butler helped out with 12 points and nine rebounds. Andre Adams added 10 points and nine boards as the Thunderbirds cruised into their ninth home victory.
Jesse Hunt scored 19 points on 7-14 shooting for the Eagles. Tyler Kidd scored 17 points.
With the win SUU improves to 13-12 overall and 8-8 in conference play, matching the team’s highest conference win total since joining the Big Sky.
The Thunderbirds will attempt to continue their winning streak in the America Event Center on Saturday at 2 p.m. against the University of Idaho.
Story by: Markiece Gross
sports@suunews.net
Photo courtesy of SUU Athletics Strategic Communication
