2024-25 WAC Men's Basketball Release - Week 4

SOUTHERN UTAH STAYS HOT AFTER FIRST SEVEN GAMES
Southern Utah dropped its first game of the season in a 76-72 decision at Loyola Chicago on Nov. 19, but the setback has not cooled off the Thunderbirds. Southern Utah has won six of its first seven starts in the new season, posting the best scoring margin in the conference at +15.43 points per contest.

SIMPSON EARNS FIRST WAC WEEKLY HONOR
Southern Utah’s Jamir Simpson continued his stellar play of late and was named the University Credit Union WAC Player and Newcomer of the Week on Nov. 25. Simpson led the WAC by averaging 23.0 points per game while shooting an even 50 percent from the floor in a 2-1 week, chipping in 4.0 rebounds per contest. Simpson hit 10-of-18 field goals and went 7-of-9 from the free-throw line for a game-high 28 points in a narrow loss at Loyola Chicago on Nov. 19. Simpson continued the week with 20 points, five rebounds and two steals in a win at San Diego on Nov. 22 and 21 points and four boards the following day to beat Idaho in San Diego. Simpson’s four consecutive games scoring 20 points or more were the most in the conference this season as of Nov. 26.

UTAH VALLEY IMPROVES TO 3-1 WITH THRILLING WIN AT MURRAY STATE
Utah Valley has enjoyed a fast 3-1 start to the season, most recently punctuated by a 77-75 victory on the road at Murray State on Nov. 22. The Wolverines clinched the game on a putback from Tanner Toolson with less than a second to play. Carter Welling enjoyed a breakout game for Utah Valley with 19 points and nine rebounds in the win at Murray State. Utah Valley checked in fifth in NCAA Division I in team blocks with 7.3 blocks per game as of Nov. 26.

ACU WITH WINS IN THREE OF THE LAST FOUR GAMES
Abilene Christian has picked up wins in three of its last four games, opening the Basketball Travelers Invitational with an 82-74 win over Southern Mississippi on Nov. 25 in Bozeman, Montana. The Wildcats lead the WAC with 63 team steals (10.5 steals per game), ranking 22nd in steals in the country.

CBU TAKES CARE OF THE BASKETBALL
Keying California Baptist’s 4-2 start has been the Lancers proficiency in taking care of the basketball. CBU ranked seventh in NCAA DI in fewest turnovers per game with 9.0 per game over its first six starts. The Lancers also pace the WAC in turnover margin (+3.0) and assist/turnover ratio (1.35).