By Cory McKendrick, USU Eastern Sports Information Contributor:

Price, UT – The Utah State University Eastern men’s basketball team finished the fan appreciation nightcap game as they squared off with the College of Southern Idaho Golden Eagles at 7 p.m. from the Bunnell-Dmitrich Athletic Center on Thursday Jan 23.  In a back and forth thriller, USU Eastern sealed the win down the stretch 67-61.

Sparked by Donaval Avila Jr.’s 7 first half points, the Eagles stayed within striking distance. Trailing only by 2 at the break, 30-32. After trailing by as much as 11, USU Eastern made a run with 6 minutes remaining in the half. A few key three-pointers by Peyton Falslev and a thunderous dunk from Turahn Thompson got the home crowd and the team right back into the game.

In the spread scoring affair, three Eagles were in double figures. Thompson led the way with 15, Avila Jr had 13 and Gabriel Oliveira had 11. The USU E bench was the difference maker in the contest, outscoring the CSI bench 29-11. A total team contributing win would be the theme of tonight’s victory.

Down the stretch, another bring-down the house dunk from Thompson, a huge blocked shot and back-to-back buckets from Oliveira cemented the win and cap stoned Thursday night’s fan appreciation evening.

The now 11-10, 2-3 Eagles will be back in action on January 30 as they take on Snow College, once again at home from the BDAC.