This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2014, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
The Southern Utah University men's basketball led by four points at the half versus Arkansas-PineBluff, but UAPB would use a second half run to down the Thunderbirds on Monday at the Las Vegas Classic, 70-61.
The Thunderbirds got off to a slow start, scoring just two points by the first media timeout, but UAPB couldn't take advantage as the Thunderbirds got into a rhythm offensively. SUU went on a 14-0 run to take a 16-9 lead and would push that lead to 15 points at 28-13 before the Lions made their run before the half. They used a 13-2 run to pull within four at 30-28 at halftime.
UAPB came out in the second half and took the lead by the first media timeout, 38-35. At the 10-minute mark, the Lions would push their lead to 10 points at 49-39, making their run of 23-9 to start the second half. SUU fought back and after a James McGee four-point play would get within four at 56-52.
Another McGee three pulled SUU to within three at 60-57, but UAPB responded with four straight points to make it 64-57 with just under four minutes to play. Four straight from the Thunderbirds and a UAPB free throw made the score 65-61 before the Lions sealed the game with free throws to win the game.
McGee finished the game 4-7 from downtown for 16 points to lead the Thunderbirds. Race Parsons chipped in 12 points and Casey Oliverson was one point away from a double-double with nine points and 12 rebounds.