Samuelson helps Montana hold off Southern Utah 60-58

CEDAR CITY, Utah (AP) — Jared Samuelson tossed in 21 points and Sayeed Pridgett scored on back-to-back layups late to lift Montana to a 60-58 victory over Southern Utah on Thursday night.

Samuelson knocked down 9 of 14 shots from the floor for the Grizzlies (7-7, 3-0 Big Sky Conference), who shot just 41% from the floor (24 of 58). Kendal Manuel added 17 points and Pridgett finished with 16 points and eight rebounds.

John Knight III made two free throws with 1:22 left in the game to pull the Thunderbirds (8-5, 1-1) within 56-54. But Pridgett scored on a pair of layups 38 seconds apart to push the lead to six and the Grizzlies held on from there.

Maizen Fausett paced Southern Utah with 15 points and 11 rebounds for his second straight double-double. Knight added 13 points, while Harrison Butler had 12 points and 11 rebounds off the bench for his fourth double-double of the season.