CEDAR CITY, Utah - The Southern Utah women's basketball team hosted the Northern Colorado Bears Saturday afternoon and despite big games from Natalie Sanchez and Ashley Larsen, the Thunderbirds lost to UNC 60-54.

The Thunderbirds got off to a slow start, shooting just 27 percent in the first half. Down by 15 points with just under six minutes left in the half, the T-Birds went on a 14-2 run to close out the half and pull within three at halftime.

The Bears used the third quarter to jump out to a 47-33 lead, on 54 percent shooting in the quarter.

Down 14 with 10 minutes to play, the Thunderbirds played their best quarter of the game, outscoring Northern Colorado 21-13. With 15 seconds left, Sanchez hit her sixth three-pointer of the game to bring Southern Utah within five, but the T-Birds couldn't land another shot, falling 60-54.

Sanchez was the leading scorer for the T-Birds, matching her career-high with 20 points. She also had three steals on the day. Larsen finished with 16 points and four rebounds. Whitney Johnson led all rebounders in the game with 13.

UNC's Savannah Smith was the leading scorer in the game with 22 points.

The Lady T-Birds will hit the road next week for their final road trip of the season, traveling to Portland State and Sacramento State.

Follow Us

Stay up to date during the 2017-18 Lady T-Bird Basketball season by following @SUUWBasketball on Twitter and Instagram and liking the Southern Utah Women's Basketball page on Facebook.