A unique play-in game results in a loss for Southern Utah University’s Men’s basketball team as they fall to Utah Tech University 72-65 on Tuesday Mar. 11. With the loss, SUU is eliminated from the WAC Tournament. Utah Tech, with the win, moves on to play Utah Valley University in the quarterfinals in Las Vegas.
First half
Despite winning the season series 2-0, Southern Utah played at Utah Tech in the Burns Arena in St. George. Southern Utah came into this game without guards Tavi Jackson and Hercy Miller.
The game began neck and neck, with both teams able to find production from their stars; however, that wouldn’t last. With eight minutes left in the half, Utah Tech went on a massive 13-6 run and had all of the momentum.
SUU has struggled to hold onto the ball all season, and this matchup was no different, with 11 first-half turnovers. The half came to a close with Utah Tech on top 38-27.
Second half
Utah Tech was leading and seemed to have everything going their way until the Thunderbirds found their rhythm and came soaring back with multiple 8-0 runs. SUU brought the score to within three points with under two minutes to play.
Fouls and missed shots would end up being the deciding factor with the final minutes of the game withering away and despite the massive comeback, Southern Utah would lose what would be its final game of the season 72-65.
Key stats
—- Utah Tech’s Hakin Byrd led all scorers with 19 points
—- Dominique Ford led SUU in scoring with 16 points
—- SUU shot only 25% from the three-point line
Author: Preston Ferry
Photographer: SUU Athletics
Editor: Jack Paul