Cedar City, Utah – The Southern Utah Thunderbirds let a close game slip away, as they fell to the Idaho Vandals and dropped to 2-13 (0-5 Big Sky). The Thunderbirds led for the vast majority of the game, but were unable hold onto the lead down the stretch.

“We were really happy with the effort and performance of our team,” said Southern Utah head coach, Chris Boettcher. “We're just frustrated with the inability to sustain it over 40 minutes.”

Idaho started off the night slow, shooting just 1-9. Southern Utah made the most of the Vandal's poor shooting, jumping out to an early lead. Thunderbird freshman, Dari Frandsen, scored six of first 13 for Thunderbirds.

At the end of the first quarter, Southern Utah lead 19-8 at the end of the first quarter. The Thunderbirds shot 50% in the first quarter versus just 19% for the Vandals. The Thunderbirds also out-rebounded the Vandals 17-9.

“We were moving the ball really well, we kept making the extra pass, we were finding the open person and just hitting shots,” said Frandsen.

At one point in the third quarter, Southern Utah commanded a 13 point lead. However, Idaho used an 8-0 run to pull back within just five points. A Tiara McDonald three pointer put SUU back up by eight, a lead which they sustained heading into the second half, 31-23.

Freshman guard Bre Reid started the second half strong for the Thunderbirds, as she opened the half with a steal that led to a breakaway layup. Two possessions later, she hit a deep two to put the Thunderbirds up 35-25.

Idaho responded with an 11-1 run, to tie up the game at 36.

Both teams traded baskets, to keep the game locked at 41 heading into the fourth quarter.

“The second half became a much more physical game. We didn't adjust to the physicality and the way the officials were letting the game be played,” commented Boettcher.

Idaho took the lead early in the fourth quarter with a quick basket by Connie Ballestero. Idaho used that early momentum to start the quarter on a 7-0 run.

The Thunderbirds kept fighting, but Idaho maintained a comfortable lead for the rest of the game, winning 62-51.

Frandsen, who led the Thunderbird's losing effort had ten points and eight rebounds in the first half, but the Vandals held her to just one point and four rebounds in the second half.

Geraldine finished the game with 14 points and eight rebounds for Idaho.

Coach Boettcher suggested a failure to make the proper adjustments led to the loss, saying, “Sometimes you focus too much on what is happening instead of adjusting to the game… We need to focus on adjusting our game plan to match what the officials are calling.”