By Calvin Jensen, USU Eastern Sports Information Contributor
Scottsdale/Phoenix, AZ – Holding an opponent scoreless in any quarter is a rare feat and the USU Eastern women’s basketball team did just that this week.
In the first contest of a three-game road trip, the Lady Eagles traveled to Arizona to take on Scottsdale Community College. USU Eastern would jump out ahead of the Artichokes in the first quarter, 21-10 and continue a defensive performance that would lead to a 15-0 second quarter shutdown.
Coming out of the half, the Lady Eagles offensive energy would reciprocate that of the defense and put on a dominating second half show ending the game with a double score defeat of Scottsdale, 70-35.
With impressive stats spread throughout the roster, Sophomore guard Emmery Wagstaff would lead the offensive scoring with 15 points. Forward Sharne Pupuke-Robati had a double double with 12 points and 12 rebounds which played a big role in keeping the offense moving. Forward Harley Carlisle came off the bench in a big way with 4 steals, 1 block, 7 rebounds, and added 7 points on offense.
“There was a lot of unselfish basketball played today by our team. We had some great moments as a team on both sides of the ball, and holding Phoenix scoreless in the second quarter was one of them,” said head coach Chelsey Warburton.
The following day the team wouldn’t miss a beat as they took on the Bears of Phoenix College.
After a close first quarter battle with USU Eastern on top 13-12, the Lady Eagles would go an offensive tear and never look back; defeating Phoenix in similar fashion as their previous victory, 79-35.
Another double-double performance by Sharne Pupuke-Robati gives fans good indication of what to expect from her this year as she scored 14 points and 14 rebounds in the game. Emmery Wagstaff took her turn from behind the three-point line scoring 12 points behind the arc with a total of 16 points on the game. Hot off the bench was sophomore guard Morgan Toluono with 10 boards, 4 steals, and 8 points.
When asked about the two decisive wins Pupuke-Robati said, “I thought the first two games went really well for us as a team, especially after a long 10 hours of travel. We were able to go out there on court and play our own game without letting our fatigue take over which was great. Every single girl in the team was able to touch the court in both games which is awesome for us and shows how our whole team can contribute to get a win.”
The Lady Eagles will play their final game of their Arizona road trip today against Chandler-Gilbert Community College At 5 p.m.