Jose Briseno – USU Eastern Assistant SID

Photo courtesy of Dallin Grant

For a chance to take the top spot in the Scenic West Athletic Conference standings, the Utah State Eastern women’s basketball team hit the road to Twin Falls, Idaho, to take on No. 6 College of Southern Idaho. The two teams entered the game as the top teams in the SWAC, the winner giving themselves the best chance to win the regular-season title.

With two evenly matched teams, the contest started with three lead changes. After a 9-9 tie, the Eagles went on a 9-1 run to build an eight-point lead. After the first quarter, Eastern held an 18-15 lead.

After holding their lead for a majority of the second quarter, Southern Idaho battled back to take a late lead in the half. Amiah Timothy made a three-point shot at the buzzer to give Eastern a 29-27 lead at the break.

Skylie Barker and Marlee Pieper each scored nine points in the half to lead the Eagles.

The Eagles continued the trend of dominating the early parts of the quarter. CSI tied the game with over six minutes left in the quarter; there were four lead changes, and the Eagles took a 47-43 lead into the final period.

The two teams battled in the fourth quarter, but in the end, 40 minutes was not enough, as they ended regulation tied at 59.

In the extra five minutes, the Eagles had opportunities to take a lead, but they eventually fell to Southern Idaho, who defeated Eastern 66-63.

Skylie Barker finished the game with 15 points, leading the Eagles on the night. Marlee Pieper finished with 14 points and 15 rebounds for a double-double on the night. Addasyn Scrivner also finished with 14 points in the game.

To finish the regular season, the Eagles will travel to Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, to face the North Idaho College Cardinals. Tip-off is scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 28, at 1:00 p.m. PST.