CEDAR CITY, Utah – Holding a 50-41 lead after the third quarter, the Southern Utah University women's basketball team appeared to be in control, but Sacramento State outscored the Thunderbirds 30-12 in the fourth quarter as the Hornets went on to earn a 71-62 victory Saturday afternoon at the America First Event Center.

The defeat dropped Southern Utah's record to 14-9 on the year and 10-4 in Big Sky Conference competition. Sacramento State improved to 13-10 overall with a 9-5 conference record.

Cherita Daugherty led the way offensively with 13 points in the losing effort. The senior guard also contributed five rebounds and five steals. Lizzy Williamson, Madelyn Eaton and Natalia Otkhmezuri all finished the night in double figures with 10 points apiece. Williamson led the rebounding effort for SUU with a team-high six.

Southern Utah scored the ball at a consistent rate through the first-three quarters of play, but went ice cold in the fourth and finished the game shooting 38.7 percent to Sacramento State's 50 percent clip. Despite the loss, the T-Birds got a big lift from their bench and outscored the Hornets' second unit 20-11. SUU also applied solid ball pressure and got into the passing lanes to come away with 10 steals while surrendering only two.

After sitting out for most of the third quarter, Sacramento State's Lianna Tillman entered the game minutes into the fourth quarter and proceeded to score 10-straight points for the Hornets which sparked a 15-3 run. The Thunderbirds only managed to drop in three more points the remainder of the afternoon, and the Hornets closed out the victory on an 8-3 run.

The Thunderbirds will look to get back on track when they close out their four-game homestand Monday night against Northern Colorado. SUU and UNC will tip-off at 6:30 p.m. MT.

For all the latest on Southern Utah women's basketball, follow @SUUWBasketball on Twitter and Instagram, and like the Southern Utah Women's Basketball Facebook page.