The Southern Utah University men’s basketball team is getting ready to hit the road for a second matchup with Utah Tech University Trailblazers on Thursday, Feb. 27, at 7 p.m., and the Utah Valley University Wolverines on Saturday, Mar. 1, at 2 p.m.
SUU will play Utah Tech at the Burns Arena, and Utah Valley at the UCCU Center. Both games can also be streamed on ESPN+.
Southern Utah
The Thunderbirds are currently 11-16 in overall play and are ranked eighth in the Western Athletic Conference. SUU had a nail-biting game last time they faced off against Utah Tech, winning 76-74. In another close game against Utah Valley, the Thunderbirds suffered a devastating loss after an exhilarating game that ended 68-70.
After a loss to Abilene Christian University, men’s basketball head coach Rob Jeter said, “hopefully we can get some guys healthy and end the season in the right way.”
SUU is in a great position to play both games this week, the team finally has been able to shake the injury bug that has stuck around for most of the season. Some of the key Thunderbird players such as Dominique Ford, Tavi Jackson, and Malik Lamin have been injured and missed several games over the last few months.
Jamir Simpson had a great game last week, scoring 15 points and putting SUU in the lead against Abilene Christian University. Jeffrey Langston Jr also had a substantial game, scoring 13 points with six rebounds. Having both of these players on the court will give both the Trailblazers and the Wolverines someone to watch out for.
One problem SUU has faced this season is falling behind in the second half. The Thunderbirds always come out with great energy and are ready to play a great game. They put a lot of points up during the first half, and seem to lose momentum during the second half of the game.
If the Thunderbird offense can anticipate and keep up with the competitive defense these teams have to offer, they can compete with some of the best teams in the conference.
Utah Tech
The Trailblazers have had a rough season so far, currently 6-21 in overall play and ranked last in the WAC. However, five of their wins this season have been when they played at home. It will be interesting to see if that gives Utah Tech an advantage against the Thunderbirds this week.
One of Utah Tech’s biggest advantages to their gameplay is rebounds. Last week, playing against Abilene Christian, the Trailblazers held a 35-33 advantage in rebounds and a 14-11 in offensive rebounds. Samuel Ariyibi will definitely be a player to look out for.
Ariyibi scored 12 points and matched his season high 12 rebounds. Noa Gonsalves also put up 19 points against the Wildcats and will be a key player in the game Thursday.
While currently the number nine seed in the WAC, the Trailblazers will still have a chance to progress in the WAC Championship Tournament in Las Vegas, starting on Mar. 11.
Utah Valley
The Wolverines have had an incredible season so far as they lead the WAC as the number one seed with 12-1 record in conference play and 20-7 in overall. Utah Valley hasn’t lost a home game yet this season, which might make it challenging for the Thunderbirds to pull off a win this week.
Utah Valley is averaging 75.8 points per game and 37.8 rebounds per game. Their explosive offense and quick defense have made it a challenge for any team to compete with them. Dominick Nelson has been one of the Wolverines’ best players this season, averaging 14.9 points per game. Osiris Grady has also been having a great season and scored a career-high 17 points against Seattle University on Feb. 22.
Currently, the Wolverines are the favorites to take the championship title home at the WAC Tournament. Their swift defense has given them an advantage that will make it hard for any team to get a lead against Utah Valley.
Southern Utah is 6-3 all-time against Utah Tech and 7-8 all-time against Utah Valley.
Author: Lexie Nelson
Photographer: SUU Athletics
Editor: Jack Paul
