Women's Basketball 12/13/2008 7:00:00 AM Southern Utah Athletics

Fast Start Propels Lady T-Birds to Hardwood Victory

CEDAR CITY, Utah - Dec. 13 - Southern Utah women's basketball out scored Northern Arizona 27-7 over the first ten minutes of the game, helping the T-Birds to secure a 76-64 victory at the final whistle. The win improves the Thunderbirds' record to 3-6 on the season while NAU drops to 2-8.

The T-Birds had five players record double figures in scoring with Challis Pascucci (13 points) and Kaila Goff (12 points) narrowly missing double-doubles with nine rebounds and a career-high nine assists, respectively.

Southern Utah's 20-point first-half lead was capped by a 3-point field goal by freshman Dani Hosking. The long-range bomb was one of seven in the first half for the Thunderbirds as the team connected on 7-of-9 from deep.

Northern Arizona countered and whittled the lead to 27-18, following an 11-0 run over the next four minutes. However, SUU weathered the storm and increased the lead to double digits heading into the half with a 39-27 advantage.

Southern Utah handled the ball with care over the opening half, committing only four turnovers while forcing eight by the Lumberjacks.

"Our guards did a great job tonight, handling the ball and running the offense," interim head coach Kit Janes said after the game. "We did a great job of moving the ball around and creating open looks."

The Thunderbirds continued to lead throughout the second half despite runs by NAU that cut the deficit to within seven on five occasions. However, the Lumberjacks were not able to get any closer as free throws down the stretch increased the lead to double digits, once again, for the Thunderbirds with the scoreboard showing 76-64 at the final whistle.

Freshmen Cassie Platt (13 points), Cassi Jones (12 points) and sophomore Caitlyn Sears (11 points) joined Goff and Pascucci in double figures during the night. Pascucci added an assist and two blocks, including one in the first half that was swatted into the front row, to fill out the box score. Goff led the team with two steals.

NAU's Lauren Hoisington led all scorers with 23 points and finished the night with a double-double by pulling down 13 rebounds. Simone Holmes was the final Lumberjack in double figures with 11 points.

Southern Utah will return to the Centrum floor on Dec. 17 when the Thunderbirds host the Western Oregon Wolves. Tip-off for that game is scheduled for 5:00 p.m. and will be followed by the men's contest against Utah State.

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