In a matchup that went down to the wire, the Southern Utah University men’s basketball team lost 62-59 to Tarleton State University on Feb. 7 in the America First Event Center.
With the loss, SUU fell to an 8-16 record. They hold a 4-7 standing in the Western Athletic Conference. They were optimistic for this game after winning by one point in overtime in the teams’ last matchup, but got out-muscled down the stretch.
Tarleton State improved to 12-12 and earned their third conference win in 11 games.
Quotes
Senior forward Jaiden Feroah was impressed with his team’s effort. “We thought we had the edge,” he said. “They got to rest last week, and we all played hard.”
“I’m optimistic and proud of my team,” said assistant coach Donald Williams. “We had to let a certain player go recently, who was most of the cancer to the team, and since then we have been playing much better.”
Williams declined to name the player but was most likely referring to Zach Bell. The transfer from Jacksonville University no longer has a bio page on the SUU Athletics website and hasn’t played since December. Since his last game, the T-Birds have gone 4-6.
First half
SUU jumped out to an early 13-6 lead in the first five minutes capped off by a Tanner Hayhurst triple. The Texans fired back with a three to start a 10-0 run to lead the T-Birds by three.
The teams stayed within three points of each other for the next eight minutes, but SUU pulled away with a hot stretch. Even after five straight points from Tarleton’s Cam McDowell, SUU led by a point at the half.
Southern Utah struggled from three in this half, going 4-12, but shot 50% from two-point range. The Texans went 3-5 from three in the period.
Second half
Tarleton started the half on a tear, scoring the first six points. Despite not scoring another field goal until four minutes later, they led 42-41 with 15 minutes left.
The lead traded sides, with clutch threes from both teams keeping the game intense. The Texans then scored seven straight points to take a big lead with five minutes to go.
SUU brought the deficit back to three, but TSU doubled the lead in no time. Feroah hit a big three to cut the gap again with 37 seconds left, but it was in vain. The only remaining scores were free throws from both teams as time expired. Tarleton State won 62-59.
Top T-Birds
— Isaiah Cottrell worked the floor, notching seven rebounds, four points, two assists, two blocks and two steals.
— Elijah Duval stole the show, recording 18 points, seven assists, four rebounds and two steals.
— Feroah had 15 points, nine rebounds, two assists, a block and a steal.
— Hayhurst posted 11 points, nine rebounds, two assists and two steals. He played 38 minutes, leading all players.
What’s next?
SUU’s final game of the homestand will be against California Baptist University. The game will be in the AFEC at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 12. They’ll then head south to face the University of Texas at Arlington on Saturday, Feb. 14 at 1 p.m.
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Author: Matt Hansell
Photographer: SUU Athletics
Editor: Payson Davis