CEDAR CITY, Utah -- After a long road trip the Thunderbird men's basketball team will finally make their way back to the America First Event Center this week for matchups against the Weber State Wildcats (February 7) and the Idaho State Bengals (February 9).

Last Time Out

SUU wrapped up its four game road trip with a victory over the Idaho Vandals 75-64 in Moscow on Monday.

Andre Adams proved to be the difference in the contest, finishing with a double-double of 23 points and 14 rebounds. Adams was incredibly effective, finishing 9-of-9 from the field and 5-of-6 from the free throw line.

Harrison Butler and Dre Marin both finished the game with 14 points, while Cameron Oluyitan dropped in 12.

Opponent Preview: Weber State (14-8, 8-3 Big Sky)

One of the leaders in the chase for the Big Sky Regular Season Championship, the Wildcats of Weber State split their last four contests as they knocked off Montana State and Sacramento State, but fell to Montana and Portland State.

WSU's Jerrick Harding is currently second in the Big Sky Conference in scoring averaging 22 points per game.

Three other Wildcats average in double figures in terms of scoring, including Cody John (14.3), Brekkott Chapman (12.8) and Zach Braxton (10.8).

Last Time vs. The Wildcats

The last time the T-Birds and Wildcats squared off it was an overtime thriller in Ogden that the Thunderbirds ran away win during the extra period 90-82.

Adams, Marin and Oluyitan all scored 18 points against the Wildcats, and Adams secured a double-double with 11 rebounds. Brandon Better also dropped in 15 points.

Harding finished with 27 points for the Wildcats in a losing effort.  

Opponent Preview: Idaho State (8-12, 4-7 Big Sky)

The Bengals of Idaho State will enter their road trip winning just one of their last six contests, and will play in Flagstaff against Northern Arizona before making their way to Cedar City.

Brandon Boyd continues to be the top player for ISU, averaging 14.6 points per contest.

Last Time vs. The Bengals

When the T-Birds and Bengals squared off in Pocatello, the home team started hot and the T-Birds couldn't keep up as they fell 88-68.

Oluyitan and Adams were bright spots for SUU, finishing with 12 points and 10 points respectively. Adams had a double-double securing 10 rebounds.

Boyd finished the contest with 20 for ISU, and the Bengals hit 15 triples as unit.

Words From Coach Simon

On Dre Marin's progression…

"He's solid, on Monday he played with a lot of confidence and knocked down two huge threes," SUU head coach Todd Simon said. "He always takes on the opposing team's lead guard and does a great job, he's a real unsung hero for us."

On the rematch with Weber State…

"They're going to be motivated to redeem the loss at their place, and they're always amongst the best in the Big Sky so we're going to have to be ready to continue to level up and be prepared for a very tough game on Thursday," he said.

On getting another opportunity against Idaho State…

"They couldn't miss that night, and we were coming off a bunch of guys being hurt and guys playing out of position," Simon said. "We had a rough one there, so our guys will be very motivated to show that this is a better indication of who we are."

Promotions

Prior to the Weber State game there will be a pregame Fan Fest in the Sharwan Smith Student Center Ballroom at 5:30 PM. There will be prizes, free food and games for all ages. Fans are encouraged to wear red for the Rivalry Redout.

Students that check into the game against Weber State will be entered to win a bookstore gift card, one of two scholarships and two tickets to the upcoming Brett Young concert at SUU. Winners will be called at the end of the game and you must be present to win. The First 150 students sitting in the Student Section will receive a Red Lightstick.

Where To Watch / Listen / Follow Along

Tip off is set for 6:30 PM on Thursday against the Wildcats and 2:00 PM on Saturday against the Bengals.

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.