The Utah State Eastern women's basketball team traveled to Twin Falls, Idaho, to participate in the Coca-Cola Classic hosted by the College of Southern Idaho. The Eagles left the weekend with a win over Treasure Valley Community College, 71-55, and a loss to Dawson Community College, 70-68.
On Friday, the Eagles opened the invitational with a win over Treasure Valley Community College. USU Eastern scored 27 points in the first quarter behind fourteen combined points from
Jessie Whinwray and
Alyssa Whittaker. Entering the second quarter with a 27-14 lead, Eastern opened with a 17-7 run, reaching a quarter-high 25-point lead over the Chukars. The Eagles entered the half with a 46-29 lead.
Whinwray was Eastern's leading scorer with 11 points at the half. The Eagles shot 64% from the three-point line, which helped build the strong lead over TVCC.
The third quarter was a low-scoring period. The Eagles managed just nine points, led by
Lexie Kesler's five points. Defensively, Eastern held Treasure Valley to just eight points on three made baskets. With a solid, 18-point lead heading into the fourth quarter, the Eagles controlled the final quarter, earning the 71-55 victory, the Eagles' first of the season.
Jessie Whinwray and
Keira Hester each finished with 14 points, while
Alyssa Whittaker finished with 13. The Eagles outrebounded the Chukars 52-32, including 21 offensive rebounds, which turned into 18 second-chance points for the Eagles.
Saturday brought a new opponent and a new opportunity for the Eagles. USU Eastern faced the Dawson Community College Buccaneers. Despite the Buccaneers jumping out to an early nine-point lead, the Eagles battled back in the first quarter, trailing by one point, 23-22 at the end of the period. The second period was another close battle where the defenses took control. Eastern entered the half down, 37-35, with work to do in the second half.
Jessie Whinwray led the Eagles with 11 points, going 5-8 from the field.
Eastern took charge in the third quarter, outscoring the Buccaneers 23-17 in the period. Whinwray went 3-3 from the field, scoring 10 points in the frame to lead the Eagles. USU Eastern entered the fourth quarter with a 58-54 lead. Dawson opened the fourth quarter with a 6-0 run, and the two teams were tied at 60 with five minutes left in the game. The Eagles were unable to make plays down the stretch and fell to the Buccaneers, 70-68.
Jessie Whinwray finished as Eastern's leading scorer, contributing 23 points.
Ellah Oeser had a great game for the Eagles, finishing with 10 points and eight rebounds.
The Eagles' next contest will be their home opener on Friday, Nov. 13, against Western Nebraska Community College. This matchup is part of USU Eastern's Eagle Classic. Tip-off is scheduled for 5:00 p.m. Eastern will finish the tournament with a 1:00 p.m. game against Central Wyoming College on Saturday, Nov. 14.
