Tarleton State edges Southern Utah 102-101 in OT thriller, Johnson scores 40

Dior Johnson’s dominant 40-point performance led Tarleton State to a thrilling 102-101 overtime victory over Southern Utah on Thursday night. The Texans held their nerve down the stretch, with Cam McDowell’s crucial layup sealing the dramatic finish. Johnson’s scorching efficiency, shooting 13-of-22 from the field, powered the late-game heroics.

Johnson Carries Texans Past Thunderbirds in Overtime Thriller

Dior Johnson’s extraordinary shooting display proved decisive in the overtime contest. The junior guard matched his season-high with 40 points, orchestrating every critical possession for the Texans. Johnson’s fearlessness attacking the basket produced 10 made free throws, demonstrating composure under pressure in the final moments.

Southern Utah’s Dylan Jones countered with 22 points, and Tanner Hayhurst contributed 20 points to keep the Thunderbirds competitive. However, Johnson’s consistency couldn’t be matched, giving Tarleton State the edge in a back-and-forth battle.

McDowell Delivers Game-Winning Heroics with 1:04 Remaining

Cam McDowell’s game-winning layup with 1:04 left in overtime capped the dramatic rivalry matchup. The basket came after Leroy Kelly IV’s defensive steal, creating the final possession the Texans desperately needed. McDowell finished with 21 points, providing essential support alongside Johnson’s dominant performance.

Southern Utah forced the extra frame after regulation ended tied, nearly pulling off an upset on home court. The Thunderbirds mounted a furious fourth-quarter rally, but couldn’t overcome the Texans’ experience and execution when it mattered most.

Team Stats and Game Breakdown

Tarleton State shot 51 percent from the field (37-of-72) and dominated the free-throw line with 75 percent accuracy (21-of-28). Southern Utah matched efficiency at 48 percent shooting (30-of-62) but couldn’t close the gap on the boards or in clutch moments.

Stat	Tarleton State	Southern Utah
FG Percentage	51% (37-72)	48% (30-62)
Three-Point %	50% (7-14)	41% (13-32)
Free Throw %	75% (21-28)	74% (28-38)
Rebounds	39	39

“Johnson’s performance down the stretch showcased why he’s become one of the nation’s leading scorers,” according to Western Athletic Conference coverage of the game. The junior’s poise and shot-making ability enabled Tarleton State to weather multiple Southern Utah rally attempts.

— Game Analysis, ESPN

Tarleton State Advances Surge with Momentum Heading into Conference Play

The victory improves Tarleton State’s record to 11-6 overall and 2-2 in WAC play, positioning the Texans favorably in the competitive conference standings. Johnson’s consistent excellence, now his third consecutive 30-plus point performance in WAC action, establishes him as the primary offensive engine for Head Coach Jamie Dixon’s squad.

Southern Utah falls to 4-13 with the loss and remains winless in conference play at 0-4. The Thunderbirds host another home game soon, seeking to break a challenging losing streak on their home court in Cedar City.

What’s Next for Both Teams in the Competitive WAC Standings?

The Texans shift focus to their next WAC matchup, where preventing another overtime scenario becomes critical. Johnson’s workload reaching 40 points may prompt coaching staff to distribute scoring opportunities among role players. Southern Utah must regroup and find offensive consistency to remain competitive as non-conference play transitions to conference grind.

Both squads return to action within the next few days, with conference standings tightening around the Western Athletic Conference. Utah Valley leads the conference at 4-1 WAC, while teams like Tarleton State remain in striking distance for tournament positioning. How Johnson and Southern Utah respond in their next contests will significantly impact their postseason aspirations.

Sources

• ESPN – Live score coverage and box score statistics for Tarleton State vs. Southern Utah
• Western Athletic Conference – Official WAC standings and conference records as of January 15, 2026
• Tarleton State Athletics – Game details and player performance information