CEDAR CITY — The energy inside the America First Event Center was tough to miss Thursday night when the Thunderbirds beat Westminster 79-77 in an exhibition game.
Southern Utah kicked off the exhibition with a majority of the roster being new, but that didn't stop the team for earning an unofficial win.
The hosts came out hot, dropping 9 points in the first two and a half minutes to gain control early. Westminster managed to hang on, though, by answering with a few timely baskets.
By halftime, Westminster led 40-38, but the Thunderbirds stayed in the game. The second half started out slow for SUU, as Westminster continued its momentum. But a deep three-pointer with eight minutes left sparked a comeback; and suddenly, the T-Birds found their rhythm again.
The defense tightened up, forcing turnovers and holding Westminster with made shots, while on offense the Thunderbirds got back to what worked early in the game by attacking in the paint.
The close contest came down to the final moments as Southern Utah knocked down critical free throws, and sealed the win with a perfectly timed block in the closing seconds.
The game for Southern Utah wasn't just about the scoreboard, but was more was about setting the tone of the year. After a long offseason of changes and adjustments, the team looked faster and more confident than a year prior.
No official comments were made from either coach following the game, but if this opener was any preview, there's plenty to be excited about for the fans.
With regular-season play just around the corner, fans in Cedar City can expect a team that plays with grit and something to prove.
