Despite two starters being inactive, the Southern Utah University men’s basketball team handled business, defeating Park University Gilbert on Tuesday, Dec. 3, 90-55. After this victory, Southern Utah improves to 8-2 on the year, while Park Gilbert doesn’t suffer a loss, as it was an exhibition game for the Buccaneers.
First half
From the tip, the difference in size and athleticism was extremely noticeable. It was close in the first four minutes of play, but the Thunderbirds quickly built a 10-point lead when everyone got involved in the offense.
Southern Utah utilized their bench, which scored them18 of their 43 points. With three minutes left in the half, a 15-point run helped SUU get out to a 20-point lead. The half ended 43-25 for Southern Utah.
Second half
The second half was another dominant showing from the Thunderbirds, whose offense was on a roll. Kai Burdick checked into the game and was a force to be reckoned with. He tallied nine points, six rebounds and three blocks, and he was one of the many impressive players who made the most of their minutes.
Tanner Pate led all scorers with 21 points, going 8 out of 15 from the field and 5 out of 9 from three. SUU’s defense has improved game by game. They only allowed 55 points on Tuesday, which is 15 points below their average of 70 points allowed per game. As a team, Southern Utah had nine blocks and nine steals.
Tavi Jackson and Dominique Ford sat out Tuesday’s game but are expected to play in their next game on Saturday.
What’s next?
Southern Utah will be on the road as they face the University of Arizona on Saturday, Nov 7, at 12 p.m. The game can be streamed live on ESPN+.
Author: Preston Ferry
Photographer: Gannon Lovisa
Editor: Jack Paul
