Needing a 2-0 weekend to keep their playoff hopes alive, the USU Eastern Eagles embarked on their final road trip against Salt Lake Community College and Colorado Northwestern Community College.

Trailing Salt Lake by just one game in the conference standings, the Eagles lost 76-66 on Thursday, Feb. 20. The team responded with a 53-49 win over Colorado Northwestern on Saturday, Feb. 22.

Trailing 49-27 at the end of the first half, the Eagles fought back to close the gap in the second half. Despite outscoring Salt Lake by 12 in the second half, the rally was not enough.

Jaxon Heiden scored a team-high 19 points, six of which came from beyond the arc. Mark Huber added 12 points, and Ike Palmer finished with 12.

Thursday’s loss cemented a season-series sweep for Salt Lake, ending USU Eastern’s conference tournament hopes. With only two games remaining in the season, the Eagles trail Salt Lake by two games.

The Eagles salvaged the road trip with a win on Saturday. They topped the Colorado Northwestern Spartans 53-49, weathering a second-half rally to secure the win.

Palmer was the team’s leading scorer in the win, producing 16 points. Kayin Turner also reached double figures, finishing with 13.

Saturday’s win gave the Eagles a season-series sweep over the Spartans, extending their conference record to 4-9.

USU Eastern will return home on Thursday, Feb. 27, to host North Idaho on Fan Appreciation Night. The season will then conclude on Saturday, March 1, against the College of Southern Idaho.