After dropping their first game of the season earlier in the week, the Southern Utah University men’s basketball team spent the weekend in San Diego, California where they beat both the University of San Diego, as well as the University of Idaho in back-to-back games on Friday, Nov. 22, and Saturday, Nov. 23.
With the wins, SUU improves to 6-1 for the season.
Game against San Diego
SUU was favored in their matchup at San Diego and were fresh off of their first loss of the season in their last matchup, which was against Loyola Chicago. San Diego is now 1-4 on the season. They had good moments during the game but were unable to mount any sort of offensive push against the Thunderbirds defense, who have only allowed 68.8 points per game.
The game ended with a score of 72-67 and Jamir Simpson led the Thunderbirds to victory with 20 points. SUU had three players score 10+ points, however it was San Diego’s Kjay Bradley Jr. who led all scorers with 27 points.
Defensively, SUU forced 14 turnovers and combined for seven steals and four blocks, as well as 45 rebounds.
Game against Idaho
The Thunderbirds had a dominating win in the next game of their back-to-back, beating the University of Idaho 82-67. Jamir once again had a great night producing 21 points which led all scorers. The Thunderbirds went an effective 11/19 from three with Dominique Ford leading the team with four made three-pointers. Idaho had no answers for SUU and shot under 50% from the field.
Defensively, the team had another great game, achieving five blocks and three steals in the contest. Idaho did a fantastic job with ball security, only turning it over four times compared to SUU’s nine turnovers.
What’s next?
SUU will stay on the road and play the University of California Los Angeles on Tuesday, Nov. 26, at 8 p.m. You can watch the game live on ESPN+.
Author: Preston Ferry
Photographer: Gannon Lovisa
Editor: Jack Paul
