In the wake of a five-game losing streak, Southern Utah University men’s basketball team will host Tarleton State University on Thursday, Jan. 9, at 6:30 p.m. Following this matchup, Southern Utah will take on the University of Texas at Arlington on Saturday, Jan. 11, at 6:30 p.m.
Both games will be played in the America First Event Center and can be streamed on ESPN+.
Southern Utah
After the Loss to Grand Canyon University, SUU stands at 8-7 overall and 0-1 in the Western Athletic Conference. Even with the recent losses, the Thunderbirds have the third-best record in the WAC and 6-1 at home on the year.
Starting guard Jamir Simpson has been a huge factor offensively. Simpson is averaging a team-high 16.5 points per game and is second on the team, pulling down 4.7 rebounds per game. Dominique Ford had his best game of the year against Grand Canyon, scoring a team-high 22 points and shooting 4/9 from three.
Tarleton State
The Texans enter this week at 6-10 on the year and 1-0 in conference play on a three-game winning streak. In their first conference game, Tarleton State defeated UT Arlington 77-74.
Despite the win, Tarleton State ranks last in the WAC in scoring offense, averaging 65.5 points per game. Combined with that, the Texans post a -7.38 point differential, ranking last in the conference.
Although Tarleton State has struggled offensively, Bubu Benjamin has been one of the best scorers in the conference. Benjamin is No. 2 in the WAC in scoring, averaging 17.3 points per game on 50.8% shooting from the field.
UT Arlington
After finishing No. 3 in the WAC a season ago, the Mavericks are 7-8 overall and 0-1 in conference play. UT Arlington has displayed one of the best offenses in the conference. The Mavericks average 77.8 points per game and shoot 45% from the field as a team.
One main factor to this high powered offense is Villanova University transfer Lance Ware. The forward from Burlington, New Jersey is leading the team in scoring with 14.5 points per game and leading the team in blocks and rebounds.
Author: Preston Ferry
Photographer: SUU Athletics
Editor: Jack Paul
