Brooklyn Palmer – USU Eastern Athletics

Photo courtesy of Jeff Barrett

The USU Eastern women’s basketball team suffered a heartbreaking 86-79 loss in double overtime against #5 nationally ranked College of Southern Idaho in Twin Falls Idaho on Thursday February 9.

CSI outscored Eastern in the first quarter 19-12. The Eastern Eagles came back strong in the second quarter which gave them a one point lead going into half time. Eastern outscored CSI by one point in the third quarter, giving them a 2 point lead at the end of the third quarter. These two teams were neck and neck the whole fourth quarter. With 6.9 seconds left on the clock, CSI hit a freethrow, giving them a 64-62 lead. USU Eastern’s Brinlee McRae made the assist to Brooklyn Palmer as she made a layup at the buzzer, forcing overtime.

In the first overtime, the game was neck and neck again. Eastern had a 73-70 lead with 28 seconds left. CSI scored, caused a turnover, and hit a free throw with 8 seconds left and Eastern was unable to score. With the score being 73-73, the second overtime was coming.

Early in the second overtime, CSI hit consecutive tough shots and Eastern was only able to score from 2 free throws from Brooklyn Palmer. CSI had the 82-75 lead with 1 minute left. Two baskets by Maci Wall kept Eastern within 5 points with 25 seconds remaining. CSI hit free throws to seal the game, causing Eastern a 86-79 loss.

Many players contributed points in the game. Maci Wall led with 22 points. Brinlee McRae and Brooklyn Palmer each added 16 points. Hadley Humphreys ended with 9. Baylee Ueligitone and Olivia Nielson scored 5 a piece. Kacelyn Toomer led with 4 assists. Janel Blazzard, Hadley Humphreys, and Baylee Ueligitone had 2 assists each.

Eastern dominated the rebounding efforts, out rebounding CSI 58-40 and scoring 21 second chance points. Brooklyn Palmer led with 14 rebounds and Hadley Humphreys followed with 10. Brinlee McRae grabbed 7 boards. Maclani Michael and Janel Blazzard each grabbed 5 rebounds.

The Eastern Eagles will next play Colorado Northwestern Community College for the final time this regular season at home in the BDAC on Thursday February 16 at 5:00. Eastern was able to get the first two wins against CNCC this season and are hoping to close the series with a win. Come to the BDAC for this next conference matchup or watch on the Scenic West Athletic Conference Network.