Southern Utah University men’s basketball will host Western New Mexico University for their season opener on Monday, Nov. 4 at 6:30 p.m. For Southern Utah, this game will count on their schedule but for Western New Mexico it’s just another exhibition game. This game can be streamed on ESPN+.
Western New Mexico
To say their last season was a disappointment would be an understatement. Western New Mexico went 4-23 overall and 2-20 in the Lone Star Conference last year. In their first exhibition game against New Mexico State University, WNM fell 77-56.
The Mustangs struggled on defense a season ago giving up 88.4 points per game and allowing teams to shoot 47.9% from the field. WNM also had a -13.4 point differential.
Transfer guard Carson Kelly led the team in scoring with 15 points in 31 minutes of play. Kelly, a transfer from Scottsdale Community College totaled 919 points and 201 rebounds in 60 games for SCC.
Southern Utah
In year one as head coach of the Thunderbirds, Rob Jeter led SUU to a 10-21 record overall and 5-15 in conference play. In year two, Jeter will look to build on that season with a few returning players while also adding a few transfers.
The Thunderbirds will see shooting guard Dominique Ford back on the court after leading the team in scoring, averaging 15.9 points per game. Jamari Sibley will also be a key returning player as in 19 games played, the now-senior averaged 9.6 points per game.
Guard Tavi Jackson led the way for Southern Utah in their exhibition game. Jackson scored a team-high 19 points on 7/12 shooting from the field. Jamir Simpson added 13 points, four rebounds and one assist in his first game for the T-Birds.
Author: Jack Paul
Photographer: Gannon Lovisa
Editor: Michele Fogg
