On a string of tough losses and close wins, the Southern Utah University men’s basketball team will close out its final road trip of the year against two conference opponents in Texas. They’ll face Tarleton State University on Thursday, Feb. 19, at 6 p.m. before matching up with Abilene Christian University on Saturday, Feb. 21, at 2 p.m.
Both games will be streamed live on ESPN+.
Southern Utah
The T-Birds have essentially the opposite record as their women’s team counterparts. They sit at 9-17 on the year and hold a 5-8 conference record.
While the level of play has increased recently, SUU has seen an abysmal road record this year. In 16 games away from Cedar City, the team has just three wins. Both of their most recent victories were on the road, but all three away wins have been by five points or fewer.
Despite the sour record, SUU has played far better over the last 10 games than they did to start the year. They’ve gone 5-5 over that stretch with two losses of just three points and a 106-105 overtime win over Tarleton State.
SUU is 3-5 all-time against the Texans and 4-3 all-time against the Wildcats. They’ve beaten ACU twice this year and have split the season series against TSU.
Tarleton State
Like ACU, Tarleton sits at the bottom of the Western Athletic Conference with a 4-9 conference record. They hold a marginally better overall record at 13-13, sitting at .500 like the school’s women’s team.
The similarities don’t stop there between the men’s and women’s teams in this matchup. SUU and Tarleton’s last game ended in a one-possession loss for the Thunderbirds.
The Texans have been on a rough stretch, with nine losses in their last 12 games. Three of those games went to overtime, with their game against SUU being the only loss of the three.
SUU will have to look out for two Texan bucket-getters in particular: Dior Johnson and Cam McDowell. Johnson averages 23.6 points per game despite not starting a single game this year, while McDowell is second in scoring in the WAC among qualified players.
Abilene Christian
ACU holds a 4-9 conference record and a 12-14 overall record, placing them right below Tarleton in the WAC. They started the year decently, but then went on a torrid seven-game losing streak.
While the Wildcats have an 8-4 home record, those losses haven’t been pretty. Their first two home losses were both squandered by more than 15 points.
Their shot defense has been the source of many troubles, as they allow opponents to shoot 48% from the field and average three blocks per game to opponents’ four and a half.
ACU is led by Bradyn Hubbard. The senior forward leads his team in points, rebounds and steals.
Previous men’s basketball article ——– Next men’s basketball article
Author: Payson Davis
Photographer: SUU Athletics
Editor: Brooklyn Beard