ABILENE, Texas (Interstat) — Elijah Duval scored 29 points to lead Southern Utah to a 79-76 victory over Abilene Christian in a Western Athletic Conference men’s basketball game Saturday at Moody Coliseum.

The Thunderbirds, who led by as many as 14 in the second half, held off a late Wildcats rally. Southern Utah shot 67.4% from the floor and made 18 of 21 free throws to overcome 22 turnovers. Duval added seven rebounds and three assists.

Abilene Christian’s Rich Smith scored 18 points and had five assists. The Wildcats forced 12 steals but shot just 50% from the free-throw line.

Southern Utah improved to 8-15 overall. Abilene Christian fell to 10-11. An announced crowd of 1,329 attended.