SPOKANE, Wash. – Southern Utah women's basketball kept up with the Gonzaga Bulldogs to launch the game before falling behind late in the first half and throughout the second, resulting in a 70-51 loss.

Southern Utah took a 5-3 lead over Gonzaga to launch the game before layups from Brenna Gates and Marquelle Funk gave the Thunderbirds a 9-3 lead.

The game tied at 14 and 16 before Southern Utah took its last lead of the night at 20-19. Gonzaga clenched a 13-2 rally to round out the first half with a 10-point lead over the Thunderbirds, 32-22.

The Bulldogs held to their lead throughout the second half as multiple sets of runs extended Gonzaga's lead to a 70-51 finish.

Hailey Mandelko led the Thunderbirds with 15 points as Jackson and Gates each added 12. Richardson and Gates each totaled eight rebounds in the loss as Funk and Jackson both contributed four assists. 

The Thunderbirds shot 38.5% from the field and 30.8% from beyond the arch.

Southern Utah will host its last nonconference game by facing New Mexico State on Monday, Dec. 29, at 1 p.m.