Jose Briseno –  USU Eastern Assistant SID

Photo courtesy of Dallin Grant

The Utah State Eastern men’s basketball team welcomed the No. 4 College of Southern Idaho Golden Eagles to the Bunnell-Dmitrich Athletic Center for a mid-week showdown.

The Eagles could not have had a better start, as they opened with a 14-0 run. In the first few minutes of the game, they saw their lead stay in double figures. As the half continued, the Eagles saw their lead slowly reach single digits before entering the half with a 41-33 lead.

Ike Palmer led the Eagles with 14 points in the first half, while Isaac Castagnetto contributed 13 on 4-4 shooting.

In the second half, the Eagles started well offensively, regaining a 12-point lead. After trading buckets, CSI went on a quick, 9-0 run, on three-straight three-point shots. Eastern held the lead until there were 10 minutes left in the game as Southern Idaho took its first lead in the game. The two teams battled, and Eastern held a 74-72 lead with under two minutes left. After that point, CSI took over, and Eastern fell 74-78.

Ike Palmer finished the game with 19 points. Isaac Castagnetto (16) and Ethen Stoddard (10) also finished with double figures.

Next for the Eagles is the Fan Appreciation Game against North Idaho College. The game will tip off at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday.