Jose Briseno – USU Eastern Assistant SID

Photo courtesy of Dallin Grant

The Utah State Eastern women’s basketball team closed the 2026 regular season against the North Idaho College Cardinals. The Eagles and Cardinals had split the two previous matchups before today’s contest.

The Eagles and Cardinals traded baskets early in the first quarter, but a quick 8-1 run for North Idaho gave the Cardinals a 17-14 lead over Eastern after the first period.

Entering the second quarter down three, the Eagles responded and outscored the Cardinals 16-8 in the second period. The dominant quarter gave Eastern a 30-25 lead at the half. Skylie Barker had eight points to lead the Eagles. Eastern also outrebounded North Idaho 24-16 in the first half.

After the break, the Eagles played to their strengths, showcasing strong defense while scoring as a team. North Idaho cut Eastern’s lead to just one point with nine minutes left in the quarter. The Eagles then proceeded to go on a 20-4 run that pushed Eastern’s lead to 55-39 at the end of the third quarter.

The fourth quarter was low scoring, as Eastern scored just nine points in the period. This, however, didn’t matter because Eastern still walked away with a 64-49 win.

Skylie Barker had a team-high 25 points in the game. Addasyn Scrivner added 10 points, and Marlee Pieper finished with nine points and 10 rebounds, one point shy of a double-double.

The win secured Eastern the No. 2 seed in the Scenic West Athletic Conference postseason tournament. Games will be played in Twin Falls, Idaho, on Thursday and Friday, Mar. 12-13. Game times are still to be determined.