By Loren Miller, Utah State Eastern Sports

PRICE – Utah State Eastern Women’s Basketball lost to the Salt Lake Community College Bruins 63-53 at home on Thursday.

It was the second matchup of the season between the two teams with the Bruins winning the first game 72-52 in Taylorsville two weeks ago.

Thursday’s game was a lot different for the Eagles despite the end result.

“Our team effort was great and we played hard together,” said USU Eastern Head Coach Chelsey Warburton.

That effort showed in the rebounding, as the Eagles were within two rebounds of the Bruins, 30-28.

“Our rebounding was better than the last game and that helped limit their second chance shots. If you win the rebound battle then you are going to win the game,” said USU Eastern guard Amiperia Tia.

The Eagles would struggle however shooting from the field with only making 19 of 49 for 38 percent.

At the free throw line it was a different story Thursday as the Eagles would make 10 of 13 attempts. In the third quarter the Eagles made 9 of 10 at the line helping the outscore the Bruins 20-17.

“We shot well from the line which the girls have been focusing on. That is something we will need to continue in the upcoming weeks,” said Warburton.

Sophomore Abby Butler finished the game as the team’s leading scorer with 13 points.

Freshman guard Lamija Coric provided a spark off the bench on Thursday by putting in 10 points, four rebounds, and two steals.

“She was very big for us tonight and she had very positive minutes for us,” said Tia.

Thursday’s loss to the Bruins moves the Eagles overall record to 15-6 and 3-3 in conference play.

USU Eastern will have a quick turn around and take on the conference leader Snow College on Saturday in Ephraim.

Tip off for Saturday’s game is scheduled for 3 p.m. inside the Horne Activity Center.

The game will be broadcasted on the Scenic West Digital Network at scenicwestnetwork.com.