CEDAR CITY, Utah – Southern Utah men's basketball dropped to Utah Valley University, 85-75, to open its home season.

The first half tied at 21 before Southern Utah took a 7-2 run to hold a 28-23 lead over the Wolverines. Utah Valley battled back, leaving the Thunderbirds with a one-point lead entering into halftime, 34-33.

Cal Hanks totaled seven points in the first half with Austin Waddoups chipping in six. The Thunderbirds wrapped up a 54.5 field percentage and 62.5 from beyond the arc.

Utah Valley launched the second half with an 11-4 rally to snag a 44-37 advantage. The Wolverines took a 56-50 lead before SUU fought back to tie the game at 58. The Thunderbirds trailed just 66-68, which was followed by a 10-4 UVU run to guide the Wolverines to a comfortable 85-75 win.

A.J. Hess led the Thunderbirds with 12 points; Hanks added 11 and James McGee totaled nine. John Marshall concluded the night with four assists.

“The first half really set the tone for this ball game. I'm extremely pleased with how we're executing when we take care of the ball,” head coach Nick Robinson said. “Defensively, we've got to get tougher and we have to execute better.”

Southern Utah continues its season by hosting Eastern Kentucky on Wednesday, Nov. 26, at 7 p.m. in the Centrum Arena.