CEDAR CITY, UTAH -- The SUU Men's Basketball team will take on its in-state rivals with Utah Tech and Utah Valley in St. George and in Orem.

Head Coach Rob Jeter said

"This is an important week for us. It will be a good test to see what level we are playing at as we approach the postseason. We finally had a little bit of extra time to rest and get healthy, so I am looking forward to these games and seeing what type of energy we can play with on the road."

Game One Details

Who: Southern Utah (11-16, 3-10 WAC) at Utah Tech (6-21, 2-10 WAC)

When: Thursday, February 27, at 7:00 p.m.

Where: St. George, Utah, Burns Arena

Watch: ESPN+

Live Stats: HERE

Game Two Details

Who: Southern Utah (11-16, 3-10 WAC) at Utah Valley (20-7, 12-1 WAC)

When: Saturday, March 1, at 2:00 p.m.

Where: Orem, Utah, UCCU Center

Watch: ESPN+

Live Stats: HERE

Matchup History

• SUU boasts a 6-3 all-time record over the Trailblazers, including a 76-74 win just two weeks ago in Cedar City. The Thunderbirds have never won in Burns Arena. 
• After a narrow 70-68 loss two weeks ago in the AFEC, the Wolverines now hold an 8-7 all-time record over the Thunderbirds, and have won the last three matchups.

The Thunderbirds

SUU took a three-point lead into the break last time out against Abilene Christian, but then gave up 50 points in the second half in what ultimately was a loss. The Thunderbirds will need to play hard for the full 40 minutes in both games this week, as we saw the last time the teams met up, both contests were decided by just two points.

Jamir Simpson still leads SUU in scoring at 16.54 a game, which is fourth in the conference since starting conference play. Dominique Ford is right behind him at fifth in the conference, averaging 15.5.

Brock Felder still has a substantial lead in blocked shots with 28 in conference play. And despite only playing in seven conference games, Tavi Jackson is tenth in the conference in steals.

SUU has reached the 70 point threshold just four times since starting conference play, to be successful this week, it will have to come on the defensive side of the ball, playing tough first shot defense and securing defensive rebounds. 

Scout The Trailblazers

Madiba Owona had his best game of the year versus the Thunderbirds, scoring 22 points on 8-15 from the field and 2-4 from three. It was just his second time scoring double-digits on the year, and his first time scoring 20.

Noa Gonsalves and Beon Riley are the typical threats for Utah Tech. Both are averaging around 14 a game and shooting above 45% from the field. Gonsalves has made 64 threes on the year, which puts him at the top of the conference. He has made at least one three pointer in 26 of their 27 games. 

Riley also leads the team in rebounding at nearly eight boards per game. He doesn't shoot many threes, but makes them at a 33% clip. Since starting conference play, he is 12th in scoring and fourth in rebounding. 

The Trailblazers allow 76 points per game, which is the most in the conference. 

Scout The Wolverines

The Wolverines are the top team in the conference, boasting a 12-1 record, with its only loss coming at Grand Canyon. 

SUU played Utah Valley incredibly close in Cedar City, clutch free throws from Tanner Toolson helped the Wolverines escape with a two-point win. 

Toolson and Carter Welling paced the Wolverines, each scoring 17 points on a combined 11-22 from the field. Welling also pulled down nine rebounds.

Since conference play began, the Wolverines have three players in the top-20 in points per game. Dominick Nelson, Toolson, and Welling are all averaging over 12 points a game in conference. 

UVU averages 76 points per game while holding teams under 69. Since conference play began, there have only been five games in which the Wolverines have allowed 70 points, and they still went 4-1. Among their 12 conference wins, they have scored 70+ in all but two.

Tickets

Season tickets, mini packages, and single-game tickets are now available! Get yours today by visiting tbirdtickets.com

FOLLOW US

Stay up to date during the 2024-25 Southern Utah Men's Basketball season by following @SUUBasketball on Twitter and Instagram and by liking the Southern Utah Basketball page on Facebook.

DONATE

To help support Thunderbird athletics consider making a donation today! To learn more about how you can support click here.