Late Charge Not Enough as Thunderbirds Fall in Kansas City

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Jan. 4 - Southern Utah cut a margin of as much as 23 to 11 points late in the second half, but offensive rebounds down the stretch for UMKC led to the Thunderbirds demise as the T-Birds fell 71-58 on Monday night. The loss drops SUU to 3-11 overall and 1-2 in conference play, while the Kangaroos move to 5-9 and 2-1 in conference play.

Southern Utah started out strong, building an 8-4 lead to open the game. However, turnovers then began to plague the team as the Thunderbirds surrendered the ball seven times, including five on consecutive possessions. The miscues led to a 13-0 UMKC run as the home team took a 17-8 lead with ten minutes to play.

The Kangaroos held the lead going into the half as Caitlyn Sears's 3-point field goal just missed off the back iron, setting the score at 42-25 at the intermission.

The Thunderbirds looked to be right back in the game late in the second half as SUU cut the lead to as little as 11 (69-58) with just under four minutes to play. Southern Utah's defense also held the Roos without a basket on the final five of six possessions, but UMKC was able to pull down an offensive rebound on each stop to cut time off the clock.

"I was really proud of our second half effort," head coach JR Payne said. "But, turnovers continue to be a big thorn in our side."

A final offensive rebound by UMKC's Mariah Davis with 11 seconds to play gave the Kangaroos the chance to run out the clock to capture the 71-58 victory.

Sears led the Thunderbirds with 14 points, followed by Jadie Parsons with 13 and Challis Pascucci with ten. UMKC's led all players with 24 points, followed by Kim Nezianya with 14.

Kaila Goff recorded season highs of eight points and five rebounds in a season-high 24 minutes of play. Dani Hosking also recorded season-high numbers with five rebounds, while Pascucci record a season-high five blocked shots.

Southern Utah will be back in action on Saturday night when the Thunderbirds host the South Dakota State Jackrabbits. Tip-off for that game is scheduled for 5:00 p.m. and will be followed by the men's game against the Jackrabbits.

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Players Mentioned

#13 Kaila Goff: G; 5' 8"; Junior

#22 Dani Hosking: G; 5' 8"; Sophomore

#12 Jadie Parsons: G; 5' 8"; Freshman

#24 Challis Pascucci: F; 6' 2"; Junior

#32 Caitlyn Sears: G/F; 5' 10"; Junior

Players Mentioned

#13 Kaila Goff
: 5' 8"; Junior
: G

#22 Dani Hosking
: 5' 8"; Sophomore
: G

#12 Jadie Parsons
: 5' 8"; Freshman
: G

#24 Challis Pascucci
: 6' 2"; Junior
: F

#32 Caitlyn Sears
: 5' 10"; Junior
: G/F