In a much anticipated rivalry game, the Southern Utah University men’s basketball team hosted Utah Tech University on Thursday, Feb. 13. A back and forth game resulted in a nail-biting 76-74 win for Southern Utah.
With the win, SUU improves to 11-14 on the year and 3-8 in the conference. Utah Tech, with the loss, falls to 6-18 on the year and 2-7 in conference play.
First half
Southern Utah won the tip and scored five straight, and Utah Tech quickly matched that run. As the game progressed, both teams seemed to find their rhythm on offense, scoring in bunches.
In a high-scoring first half, both teams worked tirelessly to execute their game plans. There was no shortage of offense as both teams scored over 35 points each, with a combined nine total three-point field goals made.
The half ended with a narrow lead for the Thunderbirds, up 42-37.
Second half
Both teams executed at a high level, and Utah Tech managed to take their first lead of the night with 11:30 left in the half. Foul trouble hurt the Trailblazers as SUU was in the bonus with 10 minutes left in the game.
Halfway through the half, a Utah Tech player fell into the water station of Southern Utah, causing water to spill out all over the floor, resulting in a nearly 10-minute game delay.
Over the last several minutes, the score switched like a seesaw. With under a minute to play, Beon Riley of Utah Tech converted two free throws to tie the game and gave SUU what would be their final offensive possession.
Tavi Jackson drove the lane and put up a shot in which Riley blocked a shot at the rim. SUU’s Jeffery Langston Jr. was there for the offensive rebound and put-back with two seconds left to give SUU the lead.
Utah Tech impounded the ball but could not get a shot off in time, and the game ended with a score of 76 to 74 for SUU.
Key stats
—- Freshman Madiba Owona led all scorers with 22
—- SUU had five players score double digits
—- Thunderbirds had a season-low six turnovers
What’s next?
Southern Utah will host in-state opponent Utah Valley University on Saturday, Feb. 15, at 6:30 p.m. in the American First Event Center. You can also watch the game streamed live on ESPN+.
Author: Preston Ferry
Photographer: SUU Athletics
Editor: Jack Paul
