CA Baptist defeats Southern Utah 58-55

Thriller: CA Baptist Wins Close Battle Over Southern Utah

The Dale E. and Sarah Ann Fowler Events Center was electric on Monday night as CA Baptist welcomed Southern Utah in a crucial conference matchup. The home team, CA Baptist, emerged victorious with a 58-55 win, handing the Thunderbirds their first loss of the season.

The game was a back-and-forth affair, with both teams trading baskets and neither able to pull away for more than a few possessions at a time. At halftime, CA Baptist led 24-22, but Southern Utah's Jaiden Feroah and Elijah Duval kept the visitors in the game, scoring 16 and 8 points, respectively.

In the second half, CA Baptist took control behind Dominique Daniels Jr., who scored 20 points, including several clutch three-pointers. The junior guard's hot shooting helped CA Baptist maintain a slim lead, with the largest margin of just three points.

Southern Utah's Jaiden Feroah was also a force to be reckoned with, scoring 16 points and grabbing six rebounds. However, his team's inability to capitalize on second-chance opportunities and take advantage of their free throw shooting ultimately proved costly.

CA Baptist's Thomas Ndong dominated the glass, pulling down 11 rebounds and chipping in eight points. The senior forward's all-around performance was a key factor in the home team's victory.

The game was a testament to the parity in conference play this season. Both teams played tenacious defense, with CA Baptist holding Southern Utah to just 23.0% three-point shooting. Meanwhile, the Thunderbirds struggled from beyond the arc themselves, making just 29.0%.

In the end, CA Baptist's balanced attack and ability to contain Southern Utah's top scorer proved too much for the visitors. The home team's 58-55 win was a thrilling victory that kept them in contention for a conference title.

GAME LEADERS

CA Baptist:

* Dominique Daniels Jr.: 20 points, 1-6 3PT, 25.0% FG

* Thomas Ndong: 11 reb, 8 pts, 1 stl

Southern Utah:

* Jaiden Feroah: 16 pts, 1-2 3PT, 63.6% FG

* Elijah Duval: 3 ast, 8 pts, 5 reb, 1 stl