PRICE – Utah State Eastern men's basketball lost to the Salt Lake Community College Bruins 83-69 on Saturday in Taylorsville.
The Eagles struggled from the get go with the number six team in the country who they previously defeated on January 27 at home.
After the game, Utah State Eastern Head Coach Vando Becheli said that his team didn't play well in the first half and allowed Salt Lake to dominate in the paint.
Almost 80 to 90 percent of the Bruin's scoring came from shots made inside the key. Overall the Eagles were outscored 43-24 in the first half after they only shot 30 percent from floor and zero percent from three-point range.
The Eagles played better in the second half on both sides of the ball. They shot 42 percent from the floor and 36 percent from the three-point line.
"We picked up the energy and started to execute our plays more and play more as a team," said USU Eastern center
Karbala Gueye.
Sophomore guard
Neema Namdar scored 12 points in the second half coming off the bench.
Down low for the Eagles sophomore forward Sam Velez helped his team throughout the game with rebounding and defensive stops.
"He was a big impact for us on the defensive side and offensive side with rebounds. He locked down Kur (Kuath) who is one of their best players," said Gueye.
They managed to cut Salt Lake's double-digit lead to only eight points with just under two minutes to play.
Ultimately the Eagles ran out of time and couldn't take advantage of chances to cut the lead more down the stretch.
"I am happy that the kids fought and they didn't quit and kept playing hard," said Becheli.
Velez finished the game tied with
Rafael Monteiro for the team-high of 13 points and grabbed 6 rebounds.
Sophomore point guard
Milan Surlic' scored 11 points with five rebounds and 4 assists.
Saturday's loss against Salt Lake moves the Eagles record to 15-12 overall and 4-6 in conference with two games left.
The Eagles will host Colorado Northwest on sophomore night on Thursday at 7:30 p.m.
Their final game of the regular season will be on Saturday against Snow College on the road in Ephraim.
Sophomore night will be broadcasted on the Utah State Eastern Athletics YouTube channel following the end of the women's game.
