Jose Briseno – USU Eastern Assistant SID

Photo courtesy of Dallin Grant

The No. 23-ranked Utah State Eastern men’s basketball team hit the road for the first time in conference play to take on the No. 1 Snow College Badgers.

The Eagles and Badgers traded baskets for the first half, but a hot streak from the three-point line for the Badgers put the Eagles behind, 35-44, after the first half. Liam Davis dominated the half with 10 points off the bench. Isaac Castagnetto had nine, including Eastern’s only three-point make in the half.

The second half was similar to the first; the Badgers controlled the boards, leading to many second-chance opportunities. The Badgers outrebounded the Eagles, 40-30, including 16 offensive rebounds. These extra possessions proved too much for the Eagles as they fell to the Badgers, 81-74.

Liam Davis was the leading scorer for the Eagles, finishing with 17 points. Isaac Castagnetto (15) and Ike Palmer (14) also finished in double figures. Castagnetto also finished the game with 11 rebounds.

After the loss, the Eagles fell to 15-3 on the season, and 2-1 in Scenic West play. Eastern will look for a bounce-back on Thursday, Jan. 15, as they travel to Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, to take on the North Idaho Cardinals. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:00 p.m.