GREELEY, Colorado – It was an all-around rough night for Southern Utah who lost to Northern Colorado, 77-64. SUU (8-18, 5-10) could have thrown in the towel several times during the night, but the Thunderbirds showed fight, coming back from a 19 point UNC (13-14, 8-8) lead to pull within five points late in the game. However, SUU was unable to get over the hump and free throws in the closing minutes sealed the Thunderbirds fate.
After trailing by as many 19, the Thunderbirds were able to play their way back into the game and trailed UNC by seven with four minutes to play. It seemed SUU was going to cut into the Northern Colorado lead with just under two minutes to play, but the Thunderbirds were unable to convert down the stretch as the Bears ran the lead to 11 with under a minute to play.
Although it was a tough loss, Head Coach Nick Robinson said there were a few things that really stood out. “Northern Colorado was more aggressive than we were to start the game,” Robinson said. “They jumped out to an early lead.”
Southern Utah started the game cold from the field. The Thunderbirds scored just three points in the first five minutes of the game, but then got hot and closed cut into the Northern Colorado lead. After SUU was able to get back within double-digits, the Bears converted two free throws midway through the first half, pushing their lead to 26-15.
The Thunderbirds continued to battle and fight their way back into the game, but UNC continued to make shots and maintain their lead. Senior, Cal Hanks blocked an attempted layup with five minutes to play in the half, but an offensive rebound led to a basket for the bears and stretched the SUU deficit to 13 points. The Thunderbirds' offensive woes continued into the half, as Northern Colorado led SUU 41-27 at the break.
Guards James McGee and Race Parsons, along with forward Tyler Rawson each had five points for the Thunderbirds who shot just 37 percent from the field in the first half. The Bears really dominated the boards, as they outrebounded SUU 24-10 in the first 20 minutes. Turnovers played a major factor in the deficit, as Southern Utah committed nine, which led to 11 UNC points.
SUU came out of the half much better than how they started the game; unfortunately they could not slow UNC who continued to make shots. Every time it seemed the Thunderbirds might make a run, Northern Colorado went on a run of their own. Although midway through the second half the Bears were shooting just 25 percent from three-point, UNC was converting at nearly 64 percent. With just over 10 minutes remaining in the game, SUU's Juwan Major converted an and-one free throw to cut the Northern Colorado lead to 60-44.
Just two minutes later, the Thunderbirds found themselves back within ten points. A three-point jumper, followed by a old fashioned three-point play by Rawson, cut UNC's lead to eight, at 60-52. SUU moved the ball well and after Rawson hit a corner-three the Thunderbirds trailed by just five, 62-57, with six minutes to play.
Southern Utah is now looking ahead to Saturday. Robinson was pleased with the game plan against UNC and will look to be better against North Dakota. “We executed the game plan well and played a great second half at both ends of the floor,” Robinson said.
Northern Colorado dominated many aspects of the game, shooting at 51.9 percent from the field and 19-27 from the free throw line, compared to just 8-9 for SUU. Dominique Lee led the Bears with 25 points and ten rebounds while Tevin Svihovec added 14 points and nine rebounds. UNC won the battle on the boards by a wide margin of 41-29, while grabbing 11 offensive rebounds.
Rawson ended up scoring 11 points for SUU, which led the team and junior, Casey Oliverson finished with ten points. The Thunderbirds shot much better in the second half than the first and finished with a respectable 45.6 shooting percentage from the field. After committing nine first half turnovers SUU was able to control the ball much better in the second half, but it wasn't enough to slow Northern Colorado, who shot lights out all night.
The Thunderbirds will travel to North Dakota for a Saturday afternoon game. Tip is set for 1:00 MST and will be played in Grand Forks, North Dakota.
POST SEASON PUSH:
With Weber State not playing on Thursday night, SUU had the opportunity to slide into the eight spot. However, a loss dropped the Thunderbirds back a full game of Weber, the good news is Southern Utah does hold the tiebreak over the Wildcats and the Vandals.
7. Idaho -- 7-8
8. Weber State -- 6-9
9. So. Utah -- 5-10
