CEDAR CITY, Utah -- The Thunderbird men's basketball team improved to 13-0 inside the America First Event Center on Saturday afternoon, as they completed their regular season sweep of the Sacramento State Hornets 77-57.
Southern Utah is now 15-3 on the year overall, and 8-2 in Big Sky Conference play. This was also Southern Utah's first regualr seaosn sweep of the Sacramento State Hornets since joining the Big Sky Conference.
The T-Birds are now one win away from a perfect record at home.
"Sac State is a team that plays everybody tough in the league," SUU head coach Todd Simon said. "They historically have been a very good defensive team. They have toughness and some unique things you have to guard, and I think our guys did an excellent job executing the game plan and playing a full 40 minutes."
The opening half stayed close throughout, but the Thunderbirds held the lead the entire time. SUU's lead never climbed over seven, and the Hornets were able to close it within three at the break, 35-32.
Southern Utah came out firing in the second half, and built their lead up to 10 with 14:15 to play. Over the next 10 minutes, the Thunderbirds continued to build their lead up, and they led by 22 with 5:14 left on the clock.
Ultimately, the Thunderbirds held on to knock off the Hornets 77-57.
John Knight III led the scoring effort for Southern Utah with 16 points on 8-of-11 shooting from the field.
Tevian Jones finished with 15 points and eight rebounds, while Maizen Fausett finished with 14 points and nine rebounds.
Harrison Butler scored 12 points for the Thunderbirds, and Dre Marin finished with 11.
SUU once again held a strong advantage in terms of points in the paint, outscoring the Hornets 42-30 in the painted area. The T-Birds also outrebounded the Hornets 40-33.
Southern Utah also found success in transition with nine fast break points, and held the Hornets to zero.
The Thunderbirds were also a perfect 12-of-12 at the free throw line.
Saturday was Senior Day for Knight III, Ivan Madunic and Marin. The trio was honored pregame for their numerous contributions to the program.
Next week the Thunderbirds will play a home-and-home against Grand Canyon rival Northern Arizona. Wednesday's contest will be in Cedar City at 6 p.m. MT, and Friday's game in Flagstaff will tip off at 5 p.m. MT.
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Plays of the Game
