The Southern Utah University men’s basketball team made their way down to St. George to face their in-state rivals, the Utah Tech University Trailblazers on Thursday, Feb. 27.
After an exhilarating game that left everyone on the edge of their seats, the Thunderbirds were able to win for the first time ever at Burns Arena 82-75. Southern Utah is now 12-16 in overall play, and 4-10 in the Western Athletic Conference, while the Trailblazers are now 6-22 in overall play and 2-11 in conference play.
First half
The Thunderbirds came out ready to play a great game and bring home a second win against their rivals this season. However, they struggled to gain a lead, trailing Utah Tech for most of the first half.
Defense was a key factor in this game early on, both teams made it hard to score regardless of who was on the court. The Trailblazer defense challenged every shot the Thunderbirds took, and Southern Utah’s defense made it just as hard for Utah Tech to find opportunities to score.
Both teams wrestled with turnovers, committing five each. This game had a lot of back and forth, there were plenty of shots being taken, but most of them did not turn into points.
Dominique Ford and Jamir Simpson led the way for SUU, scoring nine points each.
Southern Utah wasn’t able to end the first half with a lead, and the half ended 35-34. However, neither team had a great advantage and it was still anybody’s game.
Second half
Southern Utah came out after halftime with electric energy, scoring the first points of the half. The Thunderbirds were able to create a lot more shots during the second half while the Trailblazers struggled.
SUU found their rhythm from outside, knocking down four threes. The players were quick on their feet and looking for any opportunity to score. The Trailblazers were also fouling quite frequently, which gave the Thunderbirds many opportunities for free-throws.
Both teams were proving how badly they wanted the win, and players often ended up on the ground more than they did on their feet. Southern Utah was also struggling to keep their players injury-free, several T-birds were limping off the court throughout the half. However, it seems that luckily no players are suffering from serious injury and will be able to play against the Utah Valley University Wolverines later this week.
Ford was perhaps the most substantial player of the game, scoring 29 points, as well as two assists and two steals.
The Trailblazers weren’t able to hold off Southern Utah and the Thunderbirds were able to take home a win for the first time in St. George. The game ended 82-75, bringing Utah Tech to their losing streak to 11..
What’s next?
Southern Utah is gearing up to to face another in-state rival, the Utah Valley University Wolverines on Saturday, Mar. 1, at 2 p.m. The Thunderbirds will play at the UCCU Center, and the game can also be streamed on ESPN+.
Author: Lexie Nelson
Photographer: SUU Athletics
Editor: Jack Paul