In the midst of a six-game losing-streak, the Southern Utah University men’s basketball team played Tarleton State University on Thursday, Jan. 9., and the University of Texas at Arlington on Saturday, Jan. 11.
The Thunderbirds lost 74-66 against Tarleton, and secured a 73-68 win versus the Mavericks. Southern Utah is now 9-8 with a 1-2 record in the Western Athletic Conference.
Game one
The Texans set the tone early, gaining a 23-13 lead off of a three-pointer from Keitenn Bristow 10 minutes into the half. Talented guard Dominique Ford kept the Thunderbirds in the game, contributing 13 points in the half despite Tarleton State’s great defense. On offense, the Texans relentlessly pursued the three-point shot, which gave them a 41-31 lead at the break.
After scoring 17 first-half points, Bristow opened the second half with another three, putting the Thunderbirds down 13. The defense then came to life, and the Texans could not get much in the bucket. Tavi Jackson and Brock Felder led the charge, both finishing the game with three steals. Felder also had four blocks. The great defensive effort cut the Thunderbird deficit to one point with eight minutes to go. A few possessions later, Jamir Simpson found Felder for a layup to put SUU up 60-59.
In the final minutes, the teams exchanged a lot of turnovers and scores. With 30 seconds remaining, the Tarleton took a four-point lead, and the Thunderbirds could not catch up, resulting in a 74-66 loss.
Game two
Both teams started hot on offense. Ford fueled the fire for SUU in the opening minutes by scoring on all three levels. Lance Ware led the charge for UTA, finding good shots and being disruptive on defense.
Midway through the half, the Thunderbirds took control of the game, earning an 11-point advantage off of a layup from Hercy Miller. They carried this momentum to the break, with a 37-32 lead.
Jeffery Langston Jr. opened the scoring in the second with a quick two-point shot. Neither team was able to create a lot of separation, as both teams’ defenses shined in the closing half. The Thunderbirds held the Mavericks to 5/25 shooting from three and 40% from the field. The Mavericks forced a staggering 22 turnovers, keeping the game close.
With five minutes to go, SUU led 63-59. Neither team surrendered as they exchanged the lead four times. In the final seconds, Southern Utah forced UT Arlington to foul, putting Ford at the line. He hit both free-throws to close out his 26-point performance and the 73-68 win for the Thunderbirds.
What’s next?
The Thunderbirds will travel to play Seattle University on Saturday, Jan. 18, at 6 p.m.
Author: Jacob McQueary
Photographer: SUU Athletics
Editor: Jack Paul
