After dropping their first game of the season, the Southern Utah University’s men’s basketball team continues its road trip to California where they will play the University of San Diego on Friday, Nov. 22, at 8 p.m. Following this game, SUU will take on the University of Idaho on Nov. 23 at 3 p.m.
Both games will be played in San Diego and can be streamed live on ESPN+.
Southern Utah
SUU is having one of its best starts in program history with a record of 4-1, as they look to increase the win column. They have relied heavily on Jamir Simpson who leads the team in scoring averaging 17.6 points per game.
Defensively, Southern Utah has improved since a year ago. The Thunderbirds are giving up an average of 69.2 points per game. That is 8.4 points less than last year when they were allowing 77.6 points per game. Jamari Sibley and Brock Felder lead the team each with seven blocks.
San Diego
San Diego a part of the West Coast Conference, is not having an ideal start to the season. USD has started the year 1-3 overall and is on a two-game losing streak. The bright spot for the team, however, is Kjay Bradley Jr., who leads the team in scoring with 17.8 points per game. This game feels like a must-win to get the season back on track at home.
San Diego has struggled to shoot the ball from the perimeter. They are shooting just 27.1% from behind the arc while allowing opponents to make 34% of their three-pointers.
Idaho
The Vandals enter with a 2-3 record, losing to some tough competition. Julius Mims has been great, averaging 13 points and 7.8 rebounds per game. He will be a key factor in the team’s success if they are to topple SUU. The Vandals are fresh off a game where they scored 101 points, and that momentum will undoubtedly build their confidence heading into this matchup.
Unlike San Diego, Idaho has done a great job at scoring from behind the arc. The Vandals are shooting 38.3% from three while also averaging 9.8 made three-pointers per game. Tyler Mrus leads the team with 16 made threes.
Southern Utah is 0-2 all-time against San Diego and is 19-11 all-time against Idaho.
Author: Preston Ferry
Photographer: Gannon Lovisa
Editor: Jack Paul
