The wheels fell off the train for the T-Birds as Abilene Christian University defeated Southern Utah University 75-59 on Thursday, Feb. 20.
Southern Utah loses the season series against ACU and falls to 11-16 on the year and 3-10 in the Western Athletic Conference. Abilene, with the win, improves to 13-13 on the year and 5-6 in conference play.
ACU goes 2-0 against SUU on the season, winning both games by an average of 15 points.
First half
SUU was once again missing its starting point guard, Tavi Jackson, but managed to start strong and develop a lead for the majority of the half, at one point being up by seven.
Both teams executed their game plans defensively, making it difficult to score. Neither team was able to find the outside shot, combining to go 1/11 from the three-point line.
The half came to a close with SUU on top 28-25.
Second half
Everything seemed to go ACU’s way as they stormed out of the gates and never looked back. The Wildcats opened on a 16-5 run over the first seven minutes of play.
SUU’s turnover woes returned, turning the ball over 27 times resulting in 31 ACU points off turnovers. The bench was also a major factor for Abilene Christian, putting up 26 points compared to Southern Utah’s 17. The game ended in a dominating 75-59 win for the Wildcats.
Key stats
—- ACU held SUU’s Dominique Ford to only six points
—- Jamir Simpson of SUU led all scorers with 15
—- Bradyn Hubbard of ACU notched a double-double with 11 points and 10 rebounds
What’s next?
Southern Utah will travel to in-state rival Utah Tech University on Thursday, Feb. 27, at 7 p.m. You can stream the game live on ESPN+.
Author: Preston Ferry
Photographer: SUU Athletics
Editor: Jack Paul
