In their first game since Dec. 18, the Southern Utah University men’s basketball team will head on the road to face rival Utah Tech University and begin conference play on Monday, Dec. 29 at 7 p.m. in St. George, Utah.
This game will also be streamed live on ESPN+.
Southern Utah
SUU has a record of 4-9, with three of their wins coming at home against members of the National Christian College Athletic Association and eight of their losses coming in away games. They’re on a three-game losing streak.
While three of SUU’s last four losses were decided by 11 points or fewer, they’ve allowed opponents to score over 100 points twice. One of those games saw the T-Birds suffer their biggest loss in team history.
The Thunderbirds have been slightly improving in shooting threes but attempt as many as opponents while making just 31.2%. This has reflected in scoring, as SUU averages just three points fewer than opponents despite the multiple blowouts they’ve been on both sides of.
Southern Utah has been led by true freshman Elijah Duval. He leads the team in points and steals while ranking third in rebounds and assists. He is one of three T-Birds to start every game he’s played.
Utah Tech
The Trailblazers hold a 7-7 record with a 4-1 record in home games. Their last ten games have been a rollercoaster, with three games in a row decided by single-digit points.
Possibly the most telling stat for Utah Tech is three-point shooting, as they have an even lower percentage than SUU at 30.2%. They’ve held opponents to 30.7% from three though, which suggests great perimeter defense.
Utah Tech’s layered defense is one of their strengths, as they outperform opponents in turnovers, steals and blocks while committing a similar amount of fouls. They have six players with double-digit steals on the year while SUU has just two.
The Trailblazers’ best player is Ethan Potter. The forward from Layton, Utah leads his team in points, rebounds and blocks and ranks second in field goal percentage.
SUU is 7-4 all-time against Utah Tech. The T-Birds won two of the teams’ three matchups last season.
Author: Payson Davis
Photographer: SUU Athletics
Editor: Jack Paul
