CEDAR CITY, Utah – Southern Utah women's basketball opened its season with the unveiling of its 2013-14 Big Sky Championship banner followed by a tight 66-64 victory over Boise State University.

“It was incredible (the unveiling of the banner). We're etched in history and it's the biggest thing for all of us,” returner Hailey Mandelko said. “It's a perfect opportunity for the younger players to see what you can do and how special it can be.”

The first half was neck and neck, tying at 16 before the Thunderbirds took a run to break ahead, 27-20. Boise State took a 9-0 run to take a 29-27 jump over SUU. The Broncos nailed a three with one minute remaining to take a 32-31 lead at half.

The Broncos held onto their lead for the first nine minutes of the second half before a three from Ashleigh Munns gave the Thunderbirds their first lead of the half at 47-46. A pair of free throws and a three from Hailey Mandelko extended Southern Utah's lead to 55-50.

“We had some points where our defense was lacking and they took advantage of us down low but I thought we battled back,” Mandelko commented. “We played really well.”

The game tied at 62 with just 1:39 remaining before Brenna Gates nailed a short jumper to snag a 64-62 Thunderbird lead with less than a minute to go. The Broncos returned with a layup to tie the game at 64 with 27.5 seconds left. Mandelko knocked in a lay-up with 6.1 remaining to seal SUU's win, 66-64.

Mandelko led the game with 29 points, finishing 10-19 from the field, 4-9 from beyond the arch and 5-6 from the free throw line.

“I'm really happy with the overall execution and progress as a team,” head coach Chris Boettcher said. “We obviously had breakdowns in part of the first half and our game plan wasn't executed very well defensively. I'm happy with the overall performance of the team. Everyone gave us good, solid minutes.”

Southern Utah continues preseason play by hosting New Mexico Highlands in the Centrum Arena on Saturday, Nov. 29, at 1:00 p.m.