Looking to end the regular season on a high note, the Southern Utah University men’s basketball team hosted Seattle University in the season finale. The Thunderbirds weren’t able to hold off the Redhawks and fell short, ending the game 39-62.
Following this loss, the Thunderbirds drop to 12-18 in overall play and 4-12 in Western Athletic Conference play as they prepare to compete in the opening round of the WAC Tournament.
As this was senior night for Southern Utah, Dominique Ford, Jamir Simpson, Peter Dadson, Hercy Miller, Robert Jeter, Malik Lamin, and Cade Brazier played for the last time in the America First Event Center.
First half
The Thunderbirds were off to a frustrating start, ending the first half with a Seattle leading 35-18. Both teams also racked up quite a few fouls, ending the half with 10 each.
Ford, who has recently hit the milestone of 1,000 career points and has been an asset to the team this season, took a hard fall and only briefly played after. Tavi Jackson and Miller also didn’t play against Seattle.
These players were definitely missed, and will hopefully be in better shape for the upcoming game against Utah Tech University and advance in the WAC Tournament.
While both Seattle and Southern Utah were taking as many shots as they could, not many turned into points and it was a low scoring first half. The Thunderbirds gave up plenty of rebounds to the Redhawks, and struggled to get back on defense.
Second half
Southern Utah came back with an energy that was missing from the team in the first half, and were showing how badly they wanted to earn a win for their senior players.
Kai Burdick had a notable game, scoring nine points, as well as having seven rebounds and two blocks. Brock Felder also had an impressive block that had everyone on their feet.
Players were constantly ending up on the floor, and there were 92 rebounds between the Thunderbirds and the Redhawks. Both teams had impressive defense and blocking which aided to a low scoring game.
Neither team shot the ball well.The Thunderbirds went 4-20 from three, while Seattle only went 2-21.
Despite the tough fight Southern Utah put up, they weren’t able to hold off the impressive offense Seattle brought to Cedar City, and the game ended 62-39.
Up next
The Thunderbirds are heading to St. George to play Utah Tech once again for the opening round of the WAC Tournament on Mar. 11, at 2:30 p.m. in the Burns Arena. The game can also be streamed on ESPN+.
Author: Lexie Nelson
Photographer: SUU Athletics
Editor: Jack Paul