Southern Utah University Athletics

The 2001 SUU Men's Basketball Team marked the school's first appearance in the NCAA Tournament.  The team faced Boston College in a first round match-up and nearly pulled off an upset, losing 68-65.  Head Coach Bill Evans led the team to a 22-5 regular season record and a share of the Mid-Continent Conference title.  The Thunderbirds won their quarterfinal game against Western Illinois, 66-53, and their semifinal game against Oral Roberts, 73-62.  The Thunderbirds then defeated six-time conference champion Valparaiso, 62-59, to seal the championship and a trip to the NCAA tournament.  The team finished with a 25-6 record, including a perfect 13-0 record at home.  The 25 wins are still the most all-time at SUU in Division I competition.