Utah Tech women's basketball had a strong first quarter but fell to Jacksonville State 68-50 Tuesday afternoon. 

What Head Coach JD Gustin said: Jacksonville State was significantly tougher than us today. We didn't handle their physicality well and also couldn't keep them in front of us.  We got monstered on the offensive boards. They are a well coached team and I would anticipate they have another good year in their conference. We are excited to get back on the court tomorrow.  We expect a tough game against Lindenwood and need to be ready.

How it happened:  Utah Tech started the game out strong jumping out to a 13-4 lead. The Trailblazers ended the first half on a 7-0 run to take a 23-9 lead over the Gamecocks. 

UT lagged in momentum early in the second quarter going on a four minute scoring drought while JSU went on a 6-0 run. Breaunna Gillen sunk a pair of free throws to break the drought. Utah Tech still struggled to make a field goal and it wasn't until the three minute mark when Gillen made a jumper in the key after working the ball with the pressure of the shot clock. She went up, sunk the jumper and drew a foul for the three point play to give Gillen double figure scoring. 

Jacksonville State outscored Utah Tech 25-10 in the second quarter to take a one point lead over the Trailblazers going into halftime. 

The Trailblazers continued to struggle in the third quarter going just 3-12 from the field while the Gamecocks went on a 12-4 run. Utah Tech's offensive efforts weren't falling and at the end of the third quarter, Jacksonville State had a 53-43 lead over the Trailblazers. 

Utah Tech couldn't dig themselves out of the score deficit in the fourth quarter and fell 68-50 to Jacksonville State. 

Leaders: Utah Tech was led by Gillen who posted 21 points, four rebounds and five assists. 

Maggie McCord also breached double figures with 13 points and led Utah Tech with seven rebounds.

Comparison: Utah Tech ended the game shooting 35.2 percent from the field,17.2 percent from the three and 70 percent from the free throw line. UT totaled 32 rebounds, seven assists, four steals and 17 turnovers.

Jacksonville State shot 32 percent from the field, 25 percent from the three and 70 percent from the free throw line. The Gamecocks totaled 49 rebounds, 14 assists, three steals and 10 turnovers.

Notes to Know: Utah Tech is now 7-3 on the season and snapped a four game winning streak. 

Next Up: The Trailblazers will remain at the Holiday Hoops Classic in Las Vegas, Nev. to take on Lindenwood before the holiday break.