CEDAR CITY, Utah– Southern Utah University pulled off a late comeback to secure the program’s first-ever Division I postseason victory on Friday.
The win came over the Drake Bulldogs, 80-73, in overtime to advance in the CollegeInsiders.com Postseason Tournament (CIT).
“We’re really excited,” SUU guard Dre Marin said. “Getting in the postseason was one of our goals from the get-go and to get this first postseason win here too, I’m just truly blessed and humbled.”
Harrison Butler notched a double-double, scoring 21 points and reeling in eleven rebounds to lead the T-Birds. Cameron Oluyitan and Dre Marin followed with 15 and 14 points respectively while Brandon Better scored 12 points.
Trailing 63-52 with 7:29 to play in regulation, SUU rallied with a 14-2 run to take a 66-65 lead with 1:45 left in the game. Drake would tie the game at 69-69 with two seconds left after two made free throws from Brady Ellington.
The Thunderbirds only allowed four points in overtime to close out the 80-73 win, thanks in large part to Maizen Fausett’s pesky defense. Fausett ended up with three blocked shots in the game to go along with eight points and eight rebounds.
Noah Thomas led Drake with 19 points while Anthony Murphy’s 13 points and ten rebounds gave him a double-double.
SUU (17-16) will host Cal State Bakersfield (17-15) in the second round of CIT on Monday, March 25 at 6:30 p.m. in the America First Event Center. The game will be streamed on WATCHCIT.COM and aired on KSUB 590 AM radio.
Story by: Aaron Peterson
aapete3232@gmail.com
Photo courtesy of SUU Athletics Strategic Communication
