CEDAR CITY, Utah – A.J. Hess scored 17 points, including 14 in the second half, as Southern Utah overcame a halftime deficit to defeat Arizona Christian 85-78 on Friday night.
Southern Utah faced a five-point deficit at halftime, but the Thunderbirds put together an 11-5 run down the stretch to build an 85-75 lead en route to the win.
A 3-pointer by Hess gave Southern Utah a 77-70 lead with 1:18 left, and the Thunderbirds were 8-of-8 from the free throw line in the final minute of the game to preserve the victory.
A balanced offensive attack aided Southern Utah, who shot 22-of-26 from the free throw line and had five players score in double figures. The Thunderbirds got 36 points from their bench.
Talib Uqdah scored 17 points and Brandon Newman added 16 to lead the Firestorm.
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