Down one of their team’s lead scorers, the Southern Utah University men’s basketball team hosted Grand Canyon University for a matchup on Thursday, Jan. 24. Grand Canyon controlled momentum from the tip and Southern Utah fell short 74-59.
With the loss, SUU drops to 9-10 on the year and 1-4 in the Western Athletic Conference. GCU improves to 14-5 and 4-1 in the conference.
First half
The first half was relatively close despite Dominique Ford not playing for SUU. The game was close with scoring coming in small waves at a slow pace. Toward the end of the first half, GCU started to knock down an array of perimeter shots which helped them build a double-digit lead.
With one-minute left in the half, Jamir Simpson hit a pair of free-throws to cut the lead to 10, but in the final moments, JaKobe Coles hit a buzzer-beater three-point shot to end the half with GCU on top 40-27.
Second half
The action remained the same as GCU kept their 10-point lead with both teams trading baskets. As the Thunderbirds closed their deficit, Tavi Jackson hit the ground hard and left the game with an apparent injury.
After the injury, GCU took advantage and never let the Thunderbirds close the gap. The game came to a close with GCU winning it 74-59.
Key statistics
— Simpson led all scorers with 21 points.
— With Tyon Grant-Foster out for the Lopes, Coles led GCU with 20 points on 9/18 shooting.
— Southern Utah shot just 37.3% from the field and 17.6% from three.
What’s next?
SUU will remain at home as they host California Baptist University on Saturday, Jan. 25, at 6:30 p.m. This game can be watched live in the America First Event Center or streamed live on ESPN+.
Author: Preston Ferry
Photographer: Gannon Lovisa
Editor: Jack Paul
