As injuries have started to hit, the Southern Utah University men’s basketball team hosted California Baptist University on Saturday, Jan. 25. Struggles continued as SUU dropped their third straight in 76-60 loss to CBU.
Southern Utah was without Tavi Jackson, Dominique Ford and Malik Lamin.
With the loss, SUU falls to 9-11 on the year and 1-5 in the Western Athletic Conference, while CBU improves to 10-10 on the season and 3-3 in the WAC.
First half
The first half of play was not one that Southern Utah wanted to have. Without starters Ford and Jackson, the offense was unable to convert at the rate that it is used to. SUU scored an average of 36.5 points in the first half, but CBU’s defensive unit held the team to only 20 points on 22.5% shooting from the field.
CBU on the other hand could not miss from inside and scored 11 points in transition which was a big chunk of their points. CBU also only turned the ball over twice as compared to Southern Utah’s six.
The half came to a close with the Lancers on top 46-20.
Second half
SUU started the second with a mountain to climb but a 10-2 run helped close the lead. Fouls took control of the game as both teams entered the bonus early. CBU was able to build offensive momentum and worked their way back to a 20-point lead.
The Thunderbirds managed to score 40 points in the second half but still fell short to the offensive dominance of the Lancers. The game ended with CBU winning it 76-60.
Key statistics
-–- Jamir Simpson led all scores with 17 points.
-–- CBU had three players score double figures.
-–- Southern Utah shot just 32.7% from the field and 28.6% from three.
What’s next?
Southern Utah will travel to face the University of Texas at Arlington on Thursday, Jan. 30 at 6 p.m. You can stream this game live on ESPN+.
Author: Preston Ferry
Photographer: Gannon Lovisa
Editor: Jack Paul
