Featured Image Courtesy of Southern Utah Athletics
CEDAR CITY, Utah — Trailing by 10 points with a minute to go in the first half, it seemed the effects of last Saturday’s loss were lingering for Southern Utah. Even as the Thunderbirds got within three at the beginning of the second half, they just could not get stopped. For every basket that SUU made, Utah Valley had an answer. This back-and-forth went on for the first 10 minutes of the second half, but UVU never led by more than four. With the game tied at 54 with 10 minutes to go, the Thunderbirds took control with an 18-3 run. When the final buzzer sounded, students were on the court as SUU prevailed 79-67.
How It Happened
The three-point shooting was not much better than in the game against Seattle, but it did improve. The team was much more conservative from distance only attempting 14 three-pointers and making 5. However, that did not stop four Thunderbirds from reaching double figures. Tevian Jones led the scoring with 20 and Maizen Fausett had a double-double with 15 points and 11 rebounds.
Student Section Record
SUU made it five straight over UVU with the win. For the second straight year, Thunderbird fans took to the court following a win over UVU. This one may have been even sweeter, however. In the first meeting between the in-state foes and conference rivals, SUU broke a student attendance record. 1,796 students were on hand to witness the statement win for the Thunderbirds. UVU’s student section; The Den bussed students down to Cedar City for the game. The Thunder Crew did not hesitate to poke fun at the UVU students and fans that made the 210-mile trip down. Chants of “if you’re losing and you know it claps your hands” directed at the UVU bench and visiting section were made in the waning minutes of the game.
Close to Home
The Thunderbirds get the weekend off before heading to California Baptist next Wednesday. It will be the only time SUU leaves the state of Utah between now and late February. Six of SUU’s final nine games will be played in the Beehive State. This week also marked the first of four straight weeks in which the Thunderbirds face an in-state opponent. SUU faces Utah Tech in St George next Saturday to start a stretch of three games in four against in-state competition. The UVU rematch in Orem takes place February 11th while the Trailblazers visit the America First Event Center February 17th.