CEDAR CITY, Utah -- After securing a big victory in their lone exhibition contest last week, the Thunderbird men's basketball team will return to the court inside the America First Event Center this Tuesday to face off against West Coast Baptist to open the regular season.
Last Time Out
In their only exhibition competition of the 2018-19 season, the Thunderbirds knocked off Life Pacific 96-53 behind big performances from multiple members of the squad.
Redshirt senior Dwayne Morgan led the scoring effort for the Thunderbirds, dropping in 17 points and shooting three-of-six from behind the three-point line.
In their first taste of action as Thunderbirds Cameron Oluyitan finished with 15 points, and Andre Adams secured a double-double scoring 13 points and pulling in 10 rebounds.
Freshmen Josh Cornish and Harrison Butler had big debuts for SUU, both scoring in double-figures with 12 and 10 respectively.
As a team the Thunderbirds hit 14 threes and dished out 23 assists.
Home Opener
The last time the Thunderbirds opened their regular season at home was the 2013-14 season, when they topped Arizona Christian University 85-78.
Since that point the T-Birds have opened up on the road against Kansas State, Utah, Valparaiso and Oregon State.
Opponent Preview: West Coast Baptist Eagles
Located in Lancaster, California, the West Coast Baptist College Eagles are members of the NCCAA.
West Coast Baptist has been competing since October 26 when they opened their season against Simpson University. The Eagles are also scheduled to face off against fellow Big Sky Conference member Idaho this season.
The Eagles are coached by Curt Beeson.
Words From The T-Birds
Todd Simon on the increased defensive pressure the team has showed...
"They put a lot of work in and these guys have bought into it," SUU head coach Todd Simon said. "Our identity is different now. Getting eight more players this year, we're a little bit taller and longer at multiple positions, but they've bought into it. Dwayne, Andre and Cam are our veterans and they demand that the whole team does what we're doing and that's defending."
Cameron Oluyitan on playing in front of the home crowd last week...
"It was unreal, the fans in Cedar City are great and I think there will be a big upgrade from last year to this year just because they've heard what we can do, and that's a good thing," he said.
Andre Adams on the benefit of playing an exhibition...
"From a players stand point it allows us to get all the things that have worked up all year out, all the little things," he said. "I think we played well and we did what we were supposed to do."
Where to Watch / Listen / Follow Along
Live streams for all of Southern Utah's home contests and Big Sky Conference matchups will be available on the PlutoTV App and WatchBigSky.com.
A link to livestats will be available at www.suutbirds.com prior to tipoff.
KSUB 590 AM is you home for Thunderbird men's basketball home games all season long, with Legendary 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.
Tickets
Season tickets and individual game tickets for the 2018-19 Season are available at www.tbirdtickets.com or at the America First Event Center Ticket Office.
