PRICE – Utah State Eastern women's basketball lost to the Southern Utah All-Stars 86-84 in double overtime on Friday in Las Vegas.
After a convincing 15-point win over Grays Harbor on day one of the CSN Holiday Tournament, the Eagles would struggle a majority of their game on Friday.
Out of the 50 minutes of play, the Eagles only had the lead for 18 seconds and that lead was only one in the first overtime period.
The Eagles had a hard time getting anything going on offense in the first half, shooting only 22.2% from the field and 16.6% from three-point territory.
"We might've underestimated them a little bit but we also weren't hitting any shots from the outside," said USU Eastern freshman Emmery Wagstaff.
After trailing 36-21 at halftime, the Eagles' shooting would pick things up in the second half. In the third quarter they shot 44.4% from three to climb back into the game.
In the fourth quarter the Eagles trailed by 10 with two minutes left before going on a big comeback to force the first overtime.
"We were able to hit shots and forced turnovers which allowed us back in the game," said USU Eastern Head Coach Chelsey Warburton.
Freshman Lainee Jensen hit a three with a minute left to get the Eagles within three of the All-Stars.
With 40 seconds left, freshman Lamija Coric hit the game-tying three to make it a tie game for the first time since the beginning of the game.
Neither team could take advantage of the time left in regulation and the game would go to overtime.
Trailing 74-71 with 17 seconds left in the first overtime period, Coric would again come up big for the Eagles and make another game-tying three.
"When Lamija is on fire, she can't miss. She's made clutch shots for us in multiple games," said Wagstaff.
In the second overtime period, the Eagles would come up short against the Southern Utah All-Stars and pick up their third loss of the season.
"It is a loss but the positive side is that the girls never quit. We missed too many free throws but they kept fighting which is great to see as a coach," said Warburton.
Wagstaff lead the Eagles in scoring with a double-double of a career-high 28 points and 10 rebounds. She also had six assists and two steals against the All-Stars.
"Emmery had a solid game for us. She did well offensively but also rebounded and distributed the ball," said Warburton.
Sophomores Abby Butler and Alyssa Crumley each had a double-double in points and rebounds on Friday.
Butler finished the game with 15 points and 11 rebounds while Crumley had 11 points and a team-high 12 rebounds.
"They are both great leaders. When we need more energy, they help bring it, whether it be by talking more, or by their actions," said Wagstaff.
Freshman Lainee Jensen had a career-high 14 points in 19 minutes off the bench for the Eagles.
Friday's loss moves the Eagles' record to 11-3 overall with one more non-conference game left on the schedule.
They will take on Central Arizona tomorrow afternoon at 2:30 p.m. which will conclude their three-game trip to Las Vegas.
Fans can watch the game live on the Scenic West Digital Network at scenicwestnetwork.com or the NJCAA App.
