CEDAR CITY, Utah - The Lady T-Birds hosted their second exhibition game against Concordia University where they beat the Cavaliers 82-62.

The Cavaliers took an early lead against the Thunderbirds. SUU was able to tie the game up at 10-10 halfway through the first quarter. Freshman Natalie Sanchez ended the first shooting 2-2 with two rebounds and two assists.

The Lady T-Birds trailed 25-18 going into the second quarter.

SUU regained the lead in the second with Sanchez placing the Lady T-Birds ahead of the Cavaliers with a three pointer. The Thunderbirds went into the half with a 36-34 lead over Concordia. Whitney Johnson led the team in points at the half with seven.

Head coach Chris Boettcher liked the Thunderbirds performance in the second quarter.

"I was proud of how the team came out and defended as well as focused on execution, that gets us a step closer to getting ready for our next opponent," Boettcher said.

The Thunderbirds came out strong after the half and used a 10-0 run to put them up 52-39 in the third quarter.

The Lady T-Birds beat the Cavaliers 82-62. Southern Utah scored 42 of their 82 points off of turnovers.

Boettcher feels the exhibition games were a successful experience for his team.

"I am really happy with our performances in the exhibition games, our team has grown these last two games. Concordia was a great opponent for us. They came out ready to play and were physical, so it was a good experience for us moving on in the season," Boettcher said.

Johnson had impressive performances in both exhibition games coming off an injury last season. Johnson led the team offensively with 16 points and tied with her sister Kiana Johnson for rebounds with eight each.

Boettcher has enjoyed seeing Johnson back in the game this season.

"It's fun to see her back out there and come into that leadership role," Boettcher said.

The Lady T-Birds kick of the regular season at Brigham Young University in Provo on Friday November 10 at 7 p.m. MT.

To stay up to date during the games and throughout the 2017-18 season follow @SUUWBasketball on Twitter and Instagram and like the SUU Women's Basketball page on Facebook.