Southern Utah University men’s basketball team hosted the Western New Mexico Mustangs in their season opener with a dominating 96-68 win. This is the second game in series history. SUU won the previous matchup 81-64 back in 1993.
First half
The Thunderbirds started by making a change to the starting lineup, adding senior forward Jamari Sibley, in addition to Tavi Jackson, Dominique Ford, Jamir Simpson, and Brock Felder.
An electric start for SUU saw them quickly build a double-digit lead early in the half. Southern Utah started the game 8/10 from the field and took an early 21-2 lead.The Thunderbirds controlled nearly every aspect of the game.
Some new faces entered the game for SUU. Kai Burdick, Mason Johnson and Hercy Miller all saw productive minutes. The newly-starting forward Sibley made his presence felt, nearly recording a double-double in the first with 11 points and seven rebounds. Three Thunderbirds scored double digits and they ended the half with a dominating score of 54-25.
Jackson led the way for the SUU with 13 points at the half, while James McCallum scored a team-high seven points for WNM.
Second half
The second was more of the same action. However, a fall from Jackson took him out of the game with an ankle injury. SUU continued to perform in the second half, holding a strong lead. The game was far from close and the final score was 96-68.
Miller was a spark off the bench and was named the Firehouse Sub’s sub of the game, finishing with 12 points and three rebounds.
SUU majorly improved from their last game and increased their offensive production and their pace of play. The defense was also suffocating, overall a great all-around win for SUU.
Sibley had himself a game, getting a double-double in his first start with 18 points, 10 rebounds, two assists, one steal, and three blocks.
What’s next?
Southern Utah will host Florida International University on Saturday, Nov. 9, at 6:30 p.m. This game can be streamed on ESPN+.
Author: Preston Ferry
Photographer: Gannon Lovisa
Editor: Jack Paul
