Following a five-game losing streak, the Southern Utah University men’s basketball team stayed in Texas as they took on Tarleton State University on Saturday, Feb. 1.
SUU once again shorthanded, lost their fifth-straight game to Tarleton State 75-58. With the loss, SUU falls to 9-13 overall and 1-7 in the Western Athletic Conference. Tarleton State, with the win, improves to 10-13 and 5-3 in the WAC.
First half
The first five minutes of play were neck and neck for both squads, both offenses executing their game plan. The Texans then came out of a timeout firing on all cylinders, quickly jumping out to an eight-point lead which held for most of the half.
It was within the last three minutes of the half that Tarleton started to expand their lead to double digits. The half ended with a steal by Tarleton State and the score stood at 37-23 in favor of the Texans.
Second half
The second half was dominated by Tarleton State as their lead grew to 18 points at one time with the offensive production coming from everyone as four players entered double figures.
The energy was there for Tarleton as they led in nearly every single statistical category. A major focus for both teams was to not turn the ball over, that goal was not met as SUU struggled again turning the ball over 19 times and Tarleton let it go 17 times.
The game ended in a 75-58 win for Tarleton State.
Key statistics
— Jamir Simpson led all scorers with 24 points on perfect shooting from the three-point line and the free-throw line.
— Brock Felder only played 13 minutes.
— Bubu Benjamin led Tarleton with 18 points and six rebounds.
What’s next?
SUU will stay on the road as they play California Baptist University on Thursday, Feb. 6, at 8 p.m. You can watch the game live-streamed on ESPN+.
Author: Preston Ferry
Photographer: SUU Athletics
Editor: Jack Paul
