CEDAR CITY, Utah -- With just two non-conference contests remaining, the Thunderbird men's basketball team will play one of the two this Saturday at home inside the America First Event Center as they host the Pepperdine Waves out of the West Coast Conference.
Last Time Out
After starting the season 4-1 the Thunderbirds hit the road for a pair of contests, and unfortunately fell to Long Beach State and Central Michigan.
Andre Adams had a big contest for the T-Birds against Long Beach State, finishing with 18 points, seven rebounds, three steals, two blocks and an assist, but ultimately it wasn't enough as LBSU pulled away 82-72. Cameron Oluyitan (14) and Jacob Calloway (12) were able to scored in double-digits for the T-Birds as well.
Against Central Michigan Jason Richardson was the leading scorer for the Thunderbirds, finishing the contest with a SUU career-high 22 points. The junior finished 8-of-11 from the field and shot three-of-three from behind the three-point line. The Chippewas pulled away late in the contest to take it 95-86.
Back-to-Back?
For the first time in the history of the program, the Thunderbirds are seeking back-to-back non-conference records over .500.
Last season the T-Birds secured a winning record with key victories over San Jose State, Pepperdine, Long Beach State and Central Michigan to finish above .500 out of conference for the first time since the 2006-07 season.
Opponent Preview: Pepperdine (6-4)
The Waves of Pepperdine will come to Cedar City following a victory over Jackson State 69-66.
Pepperdine was led by Colbey Ross, who finished the game with 21 points on 10-of-12 shooting from the free throw line. Darnell Dunn also dropped in 17 for the Waves.
Ross is the leading scorer for the Waves, averaging 19.9 points per game in 10 starts.
Back with Pepperdine for the first time since the 1999 season, Lorenzo Romar returned to the program this season as the head coach of the Waves. Most recently, Romar was the head coach at the University of Washington. Romar has a win-loss record of 391-284 as a head coach between stints at Pepperdine, Saint Louis and Washington.
Last Time vs. Pepperdine
The Thunderbirds and Waves squared off in 2017 in Malibu, California, where the T-Birds came out on top 88-82.
Former T-Bird Jamal Aytes led the team in scoring with 22 on 7-of-10 shooting. Dre Marin had 16 points, four assists and two steals while another former T-Bird James McGee dropped in 14 points with four made triples.
Words From Coach Simon
On the game plan for this week…
"We've got to focus on ourselves," SUU head coach Todd Simon said. "Obviously we had a week that we didn't like. We didn't like the identity of our team in some of our toughness categories, so we have to refine that. So the priority this week is to do a great job on exams and refocus internally on all the toughness things that are our identity."
On the Waves…
"Pepperdine is a good team and coach Romar does a great job," Simon said. "They've got a lot of talent so they'll be ready to come in here and get a win, so it's our job to play the way we play and make sure that doesn't happen."
On building off last year's victory…
"They're certainly ready for a little revenge, and we need to play well to be 2-0 in this series and not split," he said.
Promotions
Saturday will be Southern Utah's annual Christmas in the AFEC game, featuring several differences from your standard Thunderbird contest.
The game will feature a pregame photo opportunity with Santa where he will be passing out Candy Canes. Throughout the first half and halftime Santa will be also be passing out gifts to randomly selected fans, with Christmas music playing and holiday decorations strewn throughout the arena.
Where To Watch / Listen / Follow Along
Tip off is set for 1:00 p.m. MT inside the America First Event Center.
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
Individual game tickets for the 2018-19 Season are available at www.tbirdtickets.com or at the America First Event Center Ticket Office.
