Butler’s Big Game Carries Southern Utah To Win At Idaho State
Dec 3, 2022, 9:43 PM | Updated: 9:44 pm
Southern Utah Thunderbirds guard Harrison Butler (Courtesy of SUU Athletics)
(Courtesy of SUU Athletics)
SALT LAKE CITY – Harrison Butler‘s big performance the Southern Utah men’s basketball team to a road victory over the Idaho State Bengals.
The Bengals hosted the Thunderbirds at Reed Gym in Pocatello, Idaho on Saturday, December 3.
SUU beat Idaho State, 69-59.
FINAL FROM POCATELLO 🚨🚨#TBirdNation pic.twitter.com/qieEJMxJH9
— SUU Men's Basketball (@SUUBasketball) December 4, 2022
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Butler led the T-Birds with 22 points.
Southern Utah controlled the contest from the tip-off to the final buzzer and never trailed. At one point, the Thunderbirds built their lead to 18 points.
SUU used a strong first half to take a 33-24 advantage into the locker room at halftime. Following the break, the Bengals responded with a quick scoring burst to make it a game. After Idaho State’s run, the Thunderbirds bounced back to build their lead to nearly 20 points. Southern Utah held on during the final minutes of the half to win by 10 points.
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Southern Utah finished the night shooting 39.6 percent overall and 25.0 percent from beyond the arc. Idaho State shot 38.2 percent from the field, including 31.8 percent from three.
Butler’s 22 points led the T-Birds and came on 6-10 shooting, including 2-4 from distance. The guard added five rebounds, one assist, and a steal in 34 minutes on the hardwood.
Harry splashes for another three 💦
Leads the team with 1️⃣9️⃣ late#TBirdNation pic.twitter.com/oQpFrWDw2I
— SUU Men's Basketball (@SUUBasketball) December 4, 2022
In addition to Butler, two other Thunderbirds reached double figures in scoring. Maizen Fausett and Tevian Jones combined for 25 points on 7-20 shooting. Jones added four rebounds and a steal in 36 minutes of action. In 21 minutes, Fausett had seven rebounds.
Maiz CONTINUES to cook in the second half 👨🍳
7️⃣ points for number 1️⃣2️⃣#TBirdNation pic.twitter.com/sJGuCCf5si
— SUU Men's Basketball (@SUUBasketball) December 4, 2022
Amound Anderson led Southern Utah’s second unit with seven points, two rebounds, and a steal.
Miguel Tomley carried the Bengals with 23 points on 8-20 field goals.
With the win, the Thunderbirds improved their record to 5-4 on the season, including 1-2 on the road.
Southern Utah’s next game is at home against the West Coast Baptist Eagles on Tuesday, December 6 at 7 p.m. (MDT). ESPN Analytics gives Southern Utah a 99.0 percent chance at picking up a win against West Coast.
