GRAND FORKS, North Dakota – Southern Utah (9-18, 6-10) spoiled Senior Day for North Dakota (8-20, 4-13) on Saturday, as the Thunderbirds collected the win, 71-65. It was a much-needed win for SUU, who continues to fight for a spot in the Big Sky Conference Tournament. The Thunderbirds scoring load was equally distributed throughout the team as just one SUU player reached double-digit scoring.
Although North Dakota attempted to make the game close, the Thunderbirds did not seem fazed. SUU finished the game strong and collected their third road win in the last four games. SUU did not need free throws down the stretch or any miraculous comeback. The Thunderbirds simply took care of the ball and converted open looks to close out UND.
Head Coach Nick Robinson was very pleased with his team's performance on both ends of the court against North Dakota, saying “We played great team defense in the first half and had solid contributions from everyone this afternoon.” Robinson continued, “The players executed the game plan at both ends of the floor versus a well prepared UND team.”
Southern Utah's arrived ready to play Saturday afternoon. The Thunderbirds jumped out to a quick lead and held North Dakota to just 3-19 shooting in the first ten minutes of the game. Although SUU committed four early turnovers, the Thunderbirds shot 6-15 to start and led 13-6 midway through the first half.
SUU used hot shooting to maintain its lead throughout the remainder of the first half. After struggling in the opening minutes with turnovers, the Thunderbirds controlled the ball well, committing just two turnovers in the final 14 minutes. SUU guard, Trey Kennedy converted a three-point jumper at the end of the half to give the Thunderbirds a 37-24 lead at the break.
The Thunderbirds had several players on the board at halftime; Kennedy led the Thunderbirds with seven points and two rebounds. Junior, Casey Oliverson contributed six rebounds, two assists and four points, while freshmen James McGee and Tyler Rawson combined for eight points and two assists.
North Dakota's Quinton Hooker led all scorers at the break with ten points, but the Thunderbirds shot 50 percent from the field in the first half and were able to hold UND to just 30.8 percent from the field, including just 1-5 from three-point. SUU also forced seven turnovers, but allowed North Dakota to pull down six offensive rebounds.
To open the second half, Southern Utah kept converting shots into points, while keeping UND at bay. SUU led by nine points with nine minutes to play in the game and outside of Hooker, who had 19 points at the 10:00 mark of the second half, Southern Utah's defense was astounding. The Thunderbirds again committed four turnovers to start the second half, but hot shooting prevented North Dakota from taking charge.
UND made a run at the eight minute mark, cutting the SUU lead to four with just six minutes to play. However, Southern Utah's A.J. Hess converted a three-point shot that ended North Dakota's run. The ball continued to move well for SUU and after a jumper by senior, Cal Hanks, the Thunderbirds extended their lead to 12 with just three minutes to play.
Looking forward to returning home for its last two games, SUU will have a chance to grab a spot in the Big Sky Tournament. Robinson did not mention the end of the season tournament, but did say how important this win was for the team.
“Getting a split on the road is great for our team as we return back to the Centrum for our final two home games of the season,” he said. Two games the Thunderbirds will look to play as intensely as possible.
Kennedy, who was the only SUU scorer in double-digits, finished with 13 points and two rebounds. Hanks, Oliverson and guard, Travon Langston combined for 25 points, 13 rebounds and five assists in a game that saw major contributions from several SUU players. The Thunderbirds finished 50 percent from the field and 6-14 from beyond the arch.
North Dakota had little to celebrate, but saw great play from Hooker, who finished with 24 points, four rebounds and three assists. It was not enough, as UND shot 43.4 percent from the field and just 5-16 from three. A stat that stands out in favor of North Dakota was rebounds, as UND was plus-10 in that category.
Post Season Push:
Saturday's win at North Dakota puts Southern Utah back to just half a game behind Weber State, who plays Saturday night against Idaho State. If the Wildcats win they will push their lead back to a full game ahead of SUU. However, if Weber State loses, the Thunderbirds will pull even and by owning the tiebreak, will grab ahold of the eight spot.
