Following a run of impressive victories on their home court, the Southern Utah men’s basketball team is looking to continue their hot streak as they prepare to host Utah Valley University in Cedar City on Wednesday, Jan. 21 at 6:30 p.m.
This game will be streamed live on ESPN+.
Southern Utah
SUU currently holds a 6-13 record and sits at 2-4 in the Western Athletic Conference. They currently hold the worst overall record in the WAC, but are tied for No. 5 in the conference standings with Tarleton State University and Abilene Christian University. Both teams played SUU in the past two games, only for SUU to emerge victorious.
Those two victories successfully disrupted a seven-game losing streak for the Thunderbirds. In their final game of this homestand, another victory could be just what they need to reverse their bad fortune in road games this season.
Following a nail-biting 105-106 victory in overtime against Tarleton State on Thursday, SUU carried that momentum into their game with ACU where they played some of their best basketball of the season.
A key to their success in the last game was the ability to switch up strategies. Adapting to the opponent has been SUU’s main way to keep a substantial lead for the majority of the game. With this next game set to be the second time SUU has faced UVU this season, adaptability could be the key to taking home a victory.
Utah Valley
Utah Valley currently holds a 15-4 record and sits at 5-1 in the WAC, putting them in the top spot in the conference. They’re currently on a three game win streak, with the Wolverines leading by 12 points or higher each game.
One of those previous games was against the Thunderbirds, where UVU won 89-72. That victory contributed to their current home win streak of 22 games, tying the longest such streak in program history. The Wolverines are also coming off another home win against top WAC team UT Arlington.
One of UVU’s star players that game was sophomore Jackson Holcombe. He scored 16 points, leading five other Wolverines in double figures over the course of the game.
If SUU can learn from their past mistakes and adapt to UVU’s strategy, they could have a chance to disrupt the reign of the Wolverines.
Previous men’s basketball article ——– Next men’s basketball article
Author: Conner Dean
Photographer: SUU Athletics
Editor: Payson Davis
