TAYLORSVILLE, Utah (January 5, 2019) - A tough start sent the No. 15 Salt Lake Community College women's basketball team to just its third loss of the season.

Opening Scenic West Athletic Conference play at the College of Southern Idaho, the Bruins were hoping to pick up a signature road win to start league play. Instead, the Golden Eagles sent SLCC to a 62-60 loss, dropping SLCC's overall record to 14-3 and 0-1 in league play.

Southern Idaho took a 32-18 halftime lead, thanks to limiting SLCC to just 9-of-29 shooting from the field and an 0-of-7 performance from three-point range. Salt Lake did pick up the performance in the second half, outscoring Southern Idaho 21-14 in the third quarter to get back into the game. SLCC cut the deficit to two late with a Hazel Fui three-point shot, giving the Bruins a chance with 1:02 left. However, Salt Lake was unable to get over the hump, with a late game-winning three sailing wide.

In the final statistics, turnovers told a significant story as the Bruins committed 15 giveaways, with Southern Idaho scoring 20 points off those turnovers. Southern Idaho also made 10-of-14 free throws, compared to Salt Lake's 3-of-7. 

"After struggling to score in the first half, I thought we had a really good second half of running our stuff and making them guard us," said SLCC coach Betsy Specketer. "CSI had a great game plan and it awhile to adjust to it. I was really proud of how our team battled back and actually had a really good look to win it."

Miki'ala Maio led Salt Lake with 22 points on 10-of-20 shooting. Lauren Gustin posted another double-double, finishing with 14 points and 17 rebounds. Hazel Fui had 9 points, with the Bruins scoring just 8 bench points.

Salt Lake will play its next league game Thursday, as the Bruins travel to play at Colorado Northwestern. SLCC will play its league home opener on Saturday, Jan. 12, hosting in-state rival Snow College at 3:00 p.m.