CEDAR CITY, UTAH -- Jeffrey (JT) Langston Jr made a put-back layup with 1.8 seconds left to put the Thunderbirds up on the Trailblazers 76-74 and Utah Tech failed to get a shot off as time expired, and the SUU Men's Basketball team came away with a much-needed conference victory.
Head Coach Rob Jeter said
Top T-Birds
- Jeffrey (JT) Langston Jr made the game-winning layup that put his total to 12 points and six rebounds to go along with a steal and an assist.
- Jamir Simpson led the Thunderbirds in scoring at 17, including two big three-pointers.
- Tavi Jackson made an impact in his first game back from injury, scoring 10 points, dishing three assists, and had a team-high two steals.
- Five Thunderbirds scored in double-digits.
Game Recap
The first half was back-and-forth for all 20 minutes. The two teams exchanged the lead 10 times in the first half, but a solid two-minute defensive stretch from the Thunderbirds to close the half saw the T-Birds go into the break with a 42-37 lead.
The second half was still back-and-forth, but SUU was able to hold onto the lead for the first 10 minutes. A layup from Noa Gonsalves gave Utah Tech the lead for the first time in the second half with under 11 minutes to play. A jumper from Ford on the ensuing possession gave the lead back to SUU, and it remained that way until the 6-minute mark.
A three-pointer from Tennessee Rainwater gave the Trailblazers its largest lead of the night at 66-64. The teams exchanged the lead a few more times, and then with 1:20 remaining in the game, the Thunderbirds trailed by one, and Dominique Ford, who was 0-7 from three, shot a step-back three from the left wing and buried it to give SUU a 73-71 lead.
Beon Riley made two free throws for Utah Tech with 25 seconds left, which tied the game at 74. The Thunderbirds called timeout to draw up a play and executed it perfectly. Tavi Jackson came off a high ball screen and shot a jumper that was rebounded by Langston Jr, who went right back up and gave SUU a 76-74 lead with 1.8 seconds remaining. The Trailblazers were unable to get a shot off, and the Thunderbirds defended home court!
HIGHLIGHTS
Up Next
RIVALRY WEEK CONTINUES! The Thunderbirds will host Utah Valley on Saturday, February 15, at 6:30 p.m. Bring the energy to the AFEC!
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