The SUU basketball teams tipped off the regular season on Monday. The men’s team defeated Western New Mexico 96-68, while the women fell at Utah 105-52.
Here are recaps of both games, beginning with the men’s basketball team opening with a victory.
Men’s basketball
The men’s basketball team led from start to finish in a big double-digit win over Division II foe Western New Mexico in Cedar City on Monday night.
SUU started hot out of the gate, taking a 21-2 lead in just under five minutes as Tavi Jackson scored a quick eight points.
The T-birds further asserted control during the remainder of the half, leading by as many as 29 points. Western New Mexico never got closer than 15 in the opening 20 minutes, and Southern Utah took a 54-25 lead into the halftime break.
Southern Utah was on cruise control for the entire second half, easily closing out a blowout victory to open the season, 96-68.
The Thunderbirds notched 22 points off the Mustangs’ 15 turnovers, while also winning the battle in the paint (48 points to 34). SUU also shot well in the game, making 48.6 percent of their attempts (35-of-72), including 10-of26 (38.5 percent).
Six different T-birds totaled double-figure points, led by Jamari Sibley’s 18-point, 10-rebound double-double. Colorado State transfer Tavi Jackson added 15 points in the victory.
Coach Jeter postgame
Up next
Southern Utah (1-0) continues a four-game homestand to open the campaign, facing off with Florida International of Conference USA.
The T-birds and Panthers will battle on Saturday, Nov. 9 at 6:30 p.m. MT, and the game will be broadcast on ESPN+.
SUU football comeback bid falls short in defeat to Abilene Christian
Women’s basketball
Facing off with in-state foe Utah in Salt Lake City, the T-birds dropped their season opener on Monday afternoon.
Coming off an NCAA Tournament appearance a season ago, the Utes proved they would be a team to keep an eye on in their debut season in the Big 12 Conference.
Southern Utah was no match for Utah, as the closest they would get was just over three minutes into the game.
The lead continued to grow for the Utes, as the T-birds were unable to keep up. SUU trailed by 11 after the opening quarter, and the home team extended its lead to 25 at halftime (46-21).
The deficit grew deeper as the second half wore on as the Utes extended their advantage to 45 points after three quarters (80-35) before closing out a 105-52 win.
Freshman Sierra Chambers led the T-birds on offense, notching 15 points in her collegiate debut. Samantha Johnson also filled up the stat sheet for SUU, scoring 8 points while dishing out 4 assists and grabbing 3 rebounds.
Up next
SUU (0-1) continues its season-opening three-game road trip with a stop in Alabama next.
SUU will face the Jacksonville State Gamecocks (0-1) of Conference USA on Saturday, Nov. 9 at 1:30 p.m. MT. The game can be seen on ESPN+.
Southern Utah volleyball ends six-match skid, sweeps Seattle U
