Jose Briseno – USU Eastern Assistant SID

Photo courtesy of Dallin Grant

The Utah State Eastern men’s basketball team welcomed the Salt Lake Community College Bruins to the Bunnell-Dmitrich Athletic Center for the opening game of Scenic West Athletic Conference play.

The Eagles wanted a fast start but quickly found themselves down by 11 after eight minutes. Strong play from Ike Palmer and Ethen Stoddard helped the Eagles enter the half down 30-34. Palmer and Stoddard each had eight points at the break.

The Eagles took the lead in the second half on a Palmer jumper. SLCC responded with an 11-2 run to retake a seven-point lead. The game was then taken over by Eastern, who outscored the Bruins 19-3 over five minutes. With a nine-point lead, the Eagles dominated defensively and made their crunch-time free throws to pull off the 78-72 comeback win.

Isaac Castagnetto and Ike Palmer each scored 19 points to lead the Eagles. Ethen Stoddard (12) and Liam Davis (10) also finished with double figures.

Next, the Eagles will stay at home to face off against the Colorado Northwestern Community College Spartans. Tip-off is scheduled for Tuesday, Jan. 6, at 7:00 p.m.