CEDAR CITY, UTAH -- The SUU Men's Basketball team will take a short-handed team to Texas for two WAC games in search of its second Conference win.
Head Coach Rob Jeter said
"We have to have a next man up mentality, a lot of teams are dealing with injuries and at this point in the season it's about who can play tougher and be more disciplined. It is a crucial stretch of the season and I am looking forward to it."
Game One Details
Who: Southern Utah (9-11, 1-4 WAC) @ UT Arlington (9-11, 2-4 WAC)
When: Thursday, January 30, at 6:00 p.m.
Where: College Park Center, Arlington, Texas
Watch: ESPN+
Live Stats: HERE
Game Two Details
Who: Southern Utah (9-11, 1-4 WAC) @ Tarleton State (8-13, 3-3 WAC)
When: Saturday, February 1, at 6:00 p.m.
Where: Wisdom Gym, Stephenville, Texas
Watch: ESPN+
Live Stats: HERE
Matchup History
- The Thunderbirds are 2-2 all-time against the Mavericks, with a 73-68 earlier this season.
- Tarleton State has a 3-2 lead over the Thunderbirds all-time after a 74-66 win in the team's first meeting this year.
The Thunderbirds
Dominique Ford and Tavi Jackson, the number two and three leading scorers for the Thunderbirds, both missed the last game due to injury and are also questionable to play this weekend.
Jamir Simpson is second in the conference, scoring 16.45 points per game. The defensive side of the ball will be crucial for the Thunderbirds, who are allowing teams to score 74.83 points per game in conference.
Coach Jeter talks about "cleaning up," which refers to forcing teams into tough shots and then cleaning up the rebound. The Thunderbirds are second to last in rebounding margin in conference games and will need to have a good weekend rebounding the ball.
Brock Felder ranks 20th in the country in total blocks, with 44 on the year.
Scout the Mavericks
Lance Ware is one of the best big men in the conference. He averages 14 points and nine rebounds per game on just under 60% from the field.
Jaden Wells and Brody Robinson are two of the most efficient three-point shooters in the conference, with both players coming in at around 40% from deep.
UTA is averaging 72 points per game in conference play which is third in the league, however they are giving up 73.5 to conference opponents. They have the most made three-pointers in the league, with 53 in the 35% clip.
Slowing down Ware and limiting the three-pointers will be the keys to success for the Thunderbirds.
Scout the Texans
TSU will play Utah Tech on Thursday before taking on the Thunderbirds.
Freddie Hicks was a second-team all-conference player two years ago and has returned to the Texans this year. After battling an injury all season long, Hicks made his long-awaited return for the Texans against GCU and scored 15 points in 20 minutes. Hicks is a tough player that does can score in a variety of ways.
Bubu Benjamin leads the Texans in scoring at 15 points per game, with Keitenn Bristow not far behind, averaging 13.
Tarleton St only averages 65 points per game in the conference but is holding teams under 70, which has led to success.
In the first matchup earlier this year, Bristow exploded for a season-high 24 points, including four made three-pointers. Chris Mpaka also had a season-high with 18 points.
Tickets
Season tickets, mini packages, and single-game tickets are now available! Get yours today by visiting tbirdtickets.com
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