CEDAR CITY, Utah-The 1-1 Southern Utah University men’s basketball team commences its Big Sky season by hosting the Montana Grizzlies at the America First Event Center for contests on Thursday and Saturday.

Junior guard Tevian Jones, a transfer from Illinois, has amassed 19.5 points per game for the Thunderbirds on the season thus far.

The Chandler, Ariz. native is also shooting 64 percent from the field and 60 percent behind the arc.

Senior guard John Knight III is posting 15.5 points per contest and eight assists per contest for the Thunderbirds during the first week of the season.

SUU head coach Todd Simon is 54-79 (.406) in fifth season at the helm of the Thunderbirds’ program.

With one more win, Simon will become the second-winningest coach in program history.

Former SUU and Idaho State coach Bill Evans had 208 wins for the Thunderbirds, making him the winningest coach in school history.

Montana comes in to this week’s games at 0-1 having suffered a 76-62 defeat at USC November 28.

The Grizzlies were led by freshman guard Brandon Whitney against the Trojans, as he posted 17 points while making 8 of his 9 free throw attempts.

Montana is coached by seven-year head coach Travis DeCuire who is 127-72 (.638) at Missoula. DeCuire has led the Grizzlies two NCAA Tournament appearances at the helm.

Montana leads SUU 17-6 all-time while the Thunderbirds seek their first home win against the Grizzlies since November 29, 1999. On that occasion, SUU prevailed 85-75.