MISSOULA, Mont. – The Southern Utah University women' basketball team dropped its final road contest of the 2021-22 season Thursday when it suffered a 71-46 defeat at Montana.

The T-Birds dropped to 16-11 for the season and 12-6 in Big Sky play. Montana improved to 17-9 for the year and 10-7 in league competition.

Despite the setback, Lizzy Williamson had a productive game for the Thunderbirds in the form of 14 points, eight rebounds and five blocks on the defensive end. The Australian center also came away with two steals. Cherita Daugherty and Madelyn Eaton also had solid scoring nights for SUU with 10 points apiece. Daylani Ballena ran point for Southern Utah and dished out five assists while scoring seven points of her own.

Without forward Darri Dotson in the lineup, the T-Birds struggled in the battle down low. Montana outrebounded Southern Utah 40-28, including a 12-5 advantage on the offensive glass. The Grizzlies also outscored the Thunderbirds 38-20 in points in the paint. The SUU bench struggled to score with Eaton thrust into the starting lineup as the reserves could only manage two points compared to Montana's 26.

The T-Birds will look to rebound next week when they host Idaho State Wednesday night. Tip-off is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. MT with a live broadcast available on ESPN+.

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