The Southern Utah University men’s basketball ended their season with a victory, outlasting the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley 68-59. With the win, Southern Utah finished with a record of 10-21 overall and 5-15 in the Western Athletic Conference, while UTRGV fell to 6-25 and 2-18 in conference play.
First half
It was a closely contested first half, as neither team had a lead of more than four. Sophomore guard Braden Housley got the game started for SUU, making a three-pointer off the first possession for the Thunderbirds.
UTRGV responded, getting out to a four-point lead with 11 minutes left. Over the next seven minutes of play, Thunderbirds Zion Young and Jamari Sibley took over, combining for 13 points. Housley completed the half with a driving layup to give SUU a 30-28 lead. UTRGV’s Sherman Brashear led all players with 11 points.
Second half
The second half started off similar to the first, with both teams playing back and forth. Guard Elijah Elliott made a floating jump shot to get the scoring underway and a three in the first six minutes to tie the game at 40. Over the next four minutes, neither team could separate themselves from the other.
With Southern Utah leading by one with 10 minutes on the clock, Prophet Johnson took over. Johnson hit five consecutive midrange jumpers, extending the Thunderbirds’ lead to eight. Back-to-back dunks from Vaqueros Saliou Seye and Daylen Williams cut the score to 60-55. However, over the next minute, Dominique Ford hit two big buckets and a free throw to secure the 68-59 win for Southern Utah.
Key statistics
— Elliott led all players with 24 points.
— Southern Utah had five players in double figures.
— UTRGV shot just 2/10 from three.
— Housley tied his career-high with eight assists.
Author: Jack Paul
Photographer: Anden Garfield
Editor: Anden Garfield
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