The USU Eastern men’s basketball team opened the 2017-2018 campaign with back-to-back losses on the road Friday and Saturday on the road at the GW Mechanical Tip-off Classic in Casper, Wyo.

Starting the weekend action against Central Wyoming, the Eagles fell behind early and never recovered in a 90-65 setback.

Rafael Monteiro led the way for USU Eastern connecting on 6-11 shots to pour in a team best 14 points off of the bench. Sophomore Nico Rojas scored 12 points from a starting role, while sophomore point guard Milan Surlic finished with 11 points and seven assists.

As a team the Eagles struggled from the field converting just 23 of 63 attempts for the game. Adding to the offensive struggles the team made just seven of 27 shots from beyond the three-point line.

All five starters registered double-figures for Central Wyoming. Holding a 50-33 lead at the end of the first half, the domination continued through the final 20 minutes. As a team Central Wyoming outscored the Eagles 42-22 in the paint.

Unable to rebound from Friday’s loss. the Eagles dipped to 0-2 on Saturday with a 68-57 loss to the host school Casper College.

Surlic and Rojas led the Eagles in scoring as both contributed 11 points. Monteiro led the bench production for a second game with eight points.

Struggling once again from the field the Eagles made just nine field goals in the first half. The team improved their percentage in the second half, and also won the rebound battle 41-33 despite the loss.

USU Eastern will return home on Friday and Saturday with hopes to log their first win as they welcome Impact Academy for a back-to-back. Friday’s contest is scheduled to begin at 7:30, with Saturday’s game set for 5:00 p.m..