CEDAR CITY, Utah - After securing a winning record heading into Big Sky Conference play, the Thunderbird men's basketball team will play their final non-conference matchup of the 2017-18 campaign on Tuesday when they travel to Iowa to take on the Hawkeyes out of the Big Ten Conference.

This will be Southern Utah's second trip into Big Ten territory this season, with their last contest coming against Michigan State.  

Last Time Out

The Thunderbirds picked up a huge home victory last Saturday, as they knocked off the Chippewas of Central Michigan 86-80.

The victory moved the Thunderbirds to 6-4 on the season and 5-0 at home. The Thunderbirds secured a perfect home non-conference record with the victory.

Brandon Better led the offensive attack for SUU, finishing with 17 points. Ivan Madunic scored a career-high 16 points, finishing 4-of-5 from behind the three point line.

Senior leader James McGee also dropped in 16 points, and Jadon Cohee finished with 12 points and seven assists. Cohee's seven assists was a career high for him as a Thunderbird.

As a team the Thunderbirds made 11 triples and shot 42.3 percent from behind the three point line.

Cecil Williams had a big day for the Chippewas, finishing with 21 points and 10 rebounds.

Home Sweet Home

Finishing their non-conference slate at home is a big milestone for Southern Utah, with some big wins coming at the America First Event Center.

The Thunderbirds picked up their first home win against San Jose State, which was the first win SUU picked up against a Mountain West opponent since 2006. They then went on to knock off Benedictine at Mesa 85-68.

The Thunderbirds knocked off San Diego Christian College before hosting Long Beach State, knocking off their Big West Conference counterpart 94-89.

This will be the first time since joining the Big Sky Conference that the T-Birds will go into conference play undefeated at home.

SUU's first two Big Sky games will be in Cedar City, as they'll host Montana State (December 28) and Montana (December 30).

Opponent Preview: Iowa Hawkeyes

The Hawkeyes of the University of Iowa will enter the matchup with Southern Utah with a 6-6 overall record, picking up victories over Southern and Drake in their last two contests.

A trio of starters have carried the offensive load to this point for the Hawkeyes. Tyler Cook leads the team in scoring, averaging 13.7 ppg this season. Cook is also second on the team in rebounding, averaging 6.6 boards per game.

Jordan Bohannon is averaging 12.7 ppg, and leads the team in three point makes with 34 so far this season.

Isaiah Moss is third on the team in scoring with 11.4 ppg, and shoots 94 percent from the free throw line.

Iowa head coach Fran McCaffery is in his seventh season with the program. McCaffery has led the Hawkeyes to a .500 record or higher in the Big Ten conference over the last five seasons. Iowa has also made it into the postseason in each of the past six seasons, three times in the NCAA Tournament and three other times in the NIT (National Invitational Tournament).

Words From The T-Birds

Todd Simon on preparing for the Hawkeyes…

"They're big and imposing, have a lot of talent and are well coached," Simon said. "They haven't put it all together yet this year because they've had some injuries, but now they're getting healthier. This is going to be a tall task, literally and figuratively."

James McGee on traveling back to Big Ten Country...

"It's exciting to get another crack at a Big Ten opponent," McGee said. "I think we're still a little bitter from Michigan State, but it's exciting. I know Iowa is always a solid team and I know coach is going to have a great game plan for us. We're just going to be mentally prepared like we always are."

Tip Time

Tip off in the Carver-Hawkeye Arena is set for 7 p.m. MT on Tuesday evening.

Where To Watch / Listen / Follow Along

Tuesday's game will be broadcast on the Big Ten Network, and can be streamed online at www.btn2gocom.

Live stats will be provided on hawkeyesports.com and suutbirds.com prior to tip off.

All games will be available over the airwaves locally on KSUB 590 AM with legendary Thunderbird athletics broadcaster Art Challis on the call.

Follow Us

Follow the Thunderbirds all season @SUUBasketball on Twitter and Instagram and by liking the Southern Utah Basketball page on Facebook.

Read all about the Thunderbirds on www.suutbirds.com.

Ticket Information

Season tickets for the 2017-18 SUU men's basketball campaign can be purchased at tbirdtickets.com or at the America First Event Center Ticket Office.