The Utah State Eastern men's basketball team hit the road for the first time since Nov. 1. After hosting a month of tournaments, the Eagles traveled to Riverton, Wyoming, to participate in the Central Wyoming Classic.
The Eagles opened the event with a matchup with the hosts, Central Wyoming College. This was the third meeting between the Eagles and Rustlers this season, the previous two ending in favor of the Eagles.
This game started fast, trading baskets early in the half, but it was the Rustlers who held a 10-11 lead after five minutes of game time. After that point, the defenses dominated the rest of the first half. Eastern held a three-point lead late in the first half before going on a 10-3 run to close the first half. The Eagles took a 31-21 lead into the break. Ike Palmer led the Eagles with eight points at the break.
Eastern's offense opened the second half with a newfound energy. The Eagles extended their lead to as many as 23 points with five minutes left in the second half. Eastern outscored the Rustlers 36-25 in the second half, propelling them to a 67-46 win.
Palmer finished the game with a team-high 18 points. Kayin Turner scored 12 as the other Eagle to finish in double figures. Bowen Davies recorded nine points and a team-high seven rebounds.
The final matchup of the weekend was against the Casper College Thunderbirds. The two teams battled in the first half, exchanging leads multiple times. It was the Thunderbirds who took a 39-41 lead into the half.
The Eagles came out of the break determined to turn the tide. They were able to do so, outscoring Casper 40-34 in the second half, leading to a 79-75 victory for the Eagles, their 10th-straight.
Kayin Turner led the Eagles with 14 points on 5-9 shooting. Bowen Davies recorded a double-double with 13 points and 10 rebounds. Ike Palmer finished the game with 13 points and a team-high eight assists. Seven Bahati was the fourth Eagle in double figures, finishing the night with 11 points.
The Eagles will finish their preseason schedule with the Snow College Holiday Invitational. They will play the Casper College Thunderbirds again, on Friday, Dec. 12, and will follow that with Western Nebraska Community College on Saturday, Dec. 13.
