CEDAR CITY, Utah - The SUU women's basketball team hosted the Montana Grizzlies Thursday night, looking for revenge after losing to the Lady Griz back in December. The Thunderbirds came out strong in the first half, but couldn't hold on as the Grizzlies came back to win 74-65.

The Lady T-Birds had their strongest showing of the night in the first quarter as they put up a whopping 21 points. Whitney Johnson led the early attack putting up eight points and shooting 4-4 from the floor in the first quarter.

Things kept rolling for the Thunderbirds in the second quarter as they were able to maintain their lead over the Grizzlies. Johnson and Ashley Larsen both finished the half a combined 7-7 from the floor and 5-6 from the free throw line. As a team the Thunderbirds shot 64 percent from the floor and held a 38-31 lead at the half.

The script was flipped in the second half as the Grizzly offense scored 20 points in both quarters. Montana was able to close the gap after the Thunderbirds hit an 0-9 slump in the third quarter. Natalie Sanchez was able to break the slump with a three pointer to keep the T-Birds ahead, but the Grizzlies took the lead just as the quarter came to a close.

Down by one when the fourth quarter started, the Thunderbirds were able to take a one-point lead on a Sanchez three-pointer with just 2:49 left in the game. However, Montana used a 10-0 run to take the lead and secure the 74-65 win.

Three Thunderbirds finished in double digit scoring. Johnson had 15, Larsen was right behind her with 14, and Breanu Reid put up 13. Larsen and Rebecca Cardenas were the leading rebounders for the T-Birds with six each.

Montana's Sophia Stiles led all scorers with a career-high 26 points.

The Lady T-Birds will return to the AFEC on Saturday January 27 as they host the Montana State Bobcats. Tip off is set for 12:30 p.m.

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