Southern Utah Uses Late Run To Down Weber State, Secure Second Seed

SALT LAKE CITY – Southern Utah knocked off Weber State on the road 80-70, clinching the second seed in the Big Sky conference tournament.

Weber State hosted Southern Utah at the Dee Events Center in Ogden, UT on Saturday, March 5.

With the two seed in the Big Sky postseason tournament on the line, it was a slow start at the Dee Events Center. Both teams combined for just eight points before the first timeout at 15:38 left.

.@__Flemlife picking up right where he left off 🤷‍♂️ pic.twitter.com/v4jcUwkSKo

— SUU Men's Basketball (@SUUBasketball) March 6, 2022

Out of the first timeout, SUU found some offensive success as John Knight III scored five points in a 10-4 run. He finished the half with a team high nine points.

Guard JJ Overton and center Dontay Basset were able to get the Wildcats off the schneid, combining for 19 first half points.

.@__Jgotti3 with the fade 🔥 pic.twitter.com/wIc5BpNdoZ

— SUU Men's Basketball (@SUUBasketball) March 6, 2022

It was close throughout the first half as both teams limited the turnovers, playing a relatively clean half of basketball. Nine ties and four lead changes marked an excellent first 20 minutes of play that ended with Weber State in front 33-32.

Like two boxers standing toe to toe and exchanging blows, the second half saw run after run. Each team fending off haymakers and offering a counter punch. It was back and forth action where neither program could gain an advantage.

BRING DOWN THE HOUSE @__Jgotti3❗️ pic.twitter.com/cUCeVxMWNA

— SUU Men's Basketball (@SUUBasketball) March 6, 2022

Trailing 55-53 following a Koby McEwen three, Southern Utah was able to establish a little momentum, building a 73-60 lead with a 20-5 run. The run included a dunk from Harrison Butler and was capped when Butler knocked down his third three of the night.

.@little_toof is treating us tonight 🔥 pic.twitter.com/N0VhBxu0KT

— SUU Men's Basketball (@SUUBasketball) March 6, 2022

In the end, Southern Utah was too much for the Wildcats, overwhelming them on the way to an 80-70 win.

Knight III and Butler led SUU with 17 points apiece.

Overton’s 23 points led all scorers.

The Big Sky Conference Tournament is scheduled for March 10-12 in Boise, ID. Southern Utah clinched the second seed with the win while the loss dropped Weber State to the four seed.

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