CEDAR CITY, Utah – Southern Utah women's basketball opened Big Sky play at home with a New Years Day victory over Portland State University, 86-74.

A short jumper from Desiree Jackson, a pair of free throws from Hailey Mandelko and a layup by Brenna Gates gave the Thunderbirds a quick 6-0 lead to launch the game before Portland State took a run to tie up the game at 8.

The game tied again at 10 before Southern Utah took a scoring rally to top the Vikings, 28-20, midway through the first half. Funk nailed her fourth three of the night to extend SUU's lead to 40-29.

“Our team decided to play as a team tonight, which was awesome,” Funk said. “It was a great team effort and we did what we were supposed to do.”

Mandelko drained a three before Funk knocked in set of free throws for Southern Utah to round out the half with a 49-42 lead over Portland State.

Funk led the first half with 20 points with Mandelko adding 11 points and four assists. The Thunderbirds shot 50% from the field in the half.

“When we have an inside presence our outside game opens up so much more,” Mandelko stated. “We did great.”

Southern Utah quickly extended its lead to 19 to begin the second half, including three three-pointers from Mandelko. The momentum continued to roll for Southern Utah, resulting in an 86-74 conference-opening win.

Funk led the game with 28 points as Mandelko added 23. Both Funk and Mandelko totaled six three's each in the win.

“We have to combine 40 minutes of smart play with 40 minutes of effort in order to be the consistent championship team that we are capable of being,” head coach Chris Boettcher commented. “But we definitely had great effort tonight.”

Southern Utah will host Sacramento State on Saturday, Jan. 3, at 7 p.m. in the Centrum Arena.