BECKLEY, W.V. – The IU Southeast women's basketball team opened 2019 with a huge third quarter comeback but could not hold off West Virginia Tech as the Golden Bears picked up a 64-59 win Thursday.

Another sluggish offensive start doomed the Grenadiers as they shot just 28 percent from the field in the first half.

IU Southeast (8-6, 3-1 RSC) fell behind by as many as 14 points in the opening 20 minutes but the Grenadiers outscored the Golden Bears 23-10 in the third quarter to claw back into the game. A three-pointer at the buzzer by Lauren Lambdin tied the game at 49 at the end of the third.

The Grenadiers began using a full-court press in the second half which led to seven third quarter turnovers by WVU Tech to help IU Southeast get back in the contest. The Grenadiers scored 12 of their 19 points off of turnovers in the second half.

IU Southeast took its first lead of the game when Madi Woods scored to open the fourth quarter. Ariana Sandefur followed with a jumper to give IU Southeast a four-point lead but the Grenadiers were not able to extend the lead any further.

The offense went cold again and WVU Tech took the lead back with a 8-2 run and they would not relinquish the lead.

Josie Hockman led the Grenadiers with 12 points and added six rebounds and four assists. Kirstie Henn and Lauren Lambdin added eight pointsapiece.

IU Southeast travels to No. 20 Rio Grande Saturday at 1 p.m.