The Southern Utah University men’s basketball team hosted an exhibition game, where they soared over the Westminster Griffins 66-49 on Monday, Oct. 28.
The game will not go on either team’s record.It served as game-speed practice for the teams.
Westminster is a part of the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference and preseason polls have them as a middle-of-the-pack team. SUU is a member of the Western Athletic Conference and is currently picked to finish last.
First half
Fans funneled in for the 6:30 matchup to watch the second season of Thunderbird basketball under Coach Rob Jeter. SUU’s starters for the game were Tavi Jackson, Dominique Ford, Jamir Simpson, JT Langston, and Brock Felder.
The first half looked a little rough for the Thunderbirds, as the Griffins came out looking like a well-oiled machine hitting shots and playing superb defense. The offense seemed to be working for SUU but shots at the rim could never find the bottom of the net.
The game was very close and fans were treated to a few players who scored their first points as T-Birds. Duncan Reid came off the bench and was a spark in the first half, scoring his first-ever points and elevating the team.
The Thunderbirds had a sluggish start but looked much better towards the end of the half. The score at the end of the first was 29-24 in favor of Westminster.
Second half
The Thunderbirds started the second half of play with determination. The offense was rolling, and the defense was staggering. Jackson led the way for the Thunderbirds with 19 points, finding his way to the rack time after time. Felder made his presence known as he anchored the defense down, altering what seemed to be every shot taken from the paint.
After holding Westminster to only 20 points in the second, the game drew to a close with a 66-49 win.
Star player
Jackson, a Colorado State University transfer, put on a show in his first game in Cedar City with 19 points, nine rebounds, and three assists while leading the team in minutes played.
What’s next?
Southern Utah will start their regular season against Western New Mexico University on Monday, Nov. 4 at 6:30 p.m. This game will be played in the American First Event Center and can be streamed on ESPN+.
Author: Preston Ferry
Photographer: Gannon Lovisa
Editor: Jack Paul
