POCATELLO, Idaho – Southern Utah took a late rally in the final minutes to earn a 68-61 win over Idaho State. The Thunderbirds saw four players in double digits to contribute to their win.
The game tied six times, taking its last tie at 57 with just under five minutes to play before the Thunderbirds shot hot from the field and finished four free throws in the final minute to top the Bengals.
“It was a tough road win. Idaho State is a tough, physical team,” head coach Chris Boettcher said. “We battled first half foul trouble and a slow start in the second half, but our veterans stepped up again and made plays when we needed them.”
Southern Utah jumped ahead on a 5-0 run to open the game before Idaho State fought back to tie the game at seven. The game tied again at nine, 11 and 13 before back-to-back three-pointers from Ashleigh Munns and Marquelle Funk pushed the Thunderbirds ahead.
Funk knocked in a pair of free throws before a jumper from Jessica Richardson extended SUU's lead to seven. Richardson finished a layup before Madison Wright knocked in a free throw to wrap up the half with a tight 33-32 lead.
The Bengals launched the second half with an 11-point run to clench a 43-33 advantage with fifteen minutes to play. Southern Utah responded with a five-point run, including a jumper from Emma Weinreich and a three-point play from Funk.
The Thunderbirds cut Idaho State's lead to three with just under eight minutes remaining. Southern Utah kept the momentum rolling to tie the game at 53. Richardson finished a jumper and a pair of free throws before ISU tacked on a trey and a single free throw to tie the game at 57.
Gates and Richardson each finished shots to hand SUU a four-point lead before ISU battled from behind to cut the lead to two with 1:42 remaining. Funk drained a three with just over a minute to play before ISU was forced to put the Thunderbirds on the free throw line. Southern Utah finished four free throws in the final minute to seal the win, 68-61.
Funk and Richardson led the Thunderbirds with 15 points each. Desiree Jackson and Gates added 13 and 12, respectively. Funk led the team in steals with three as Gates totaled two blocks. SUU shot 41.8% from the field as ISU shot 36.7%.
Southern Utah will round out its road trip as they take on Weber State on Saturday, Jan. 17, at 2 p.m.
