USU Eastern Press Release
PRICE – Utah State Eastern women’s basketball opened its 2018-19 home schedule with a win on Friday and a loss on Saturday.
The Eagles defeated the Central Wyoming Rustlers on Friday, 64-41, in their home opener.
“I am very happy with their performance. They shared the ball and they followed scout with shots falling. It was an overall good win for us,” said USU Eastern head coach Chelsey Warburton.
USU Eastern used a big second quarter and fourth quarter to put the Rustlers away, led by sophomore Alyssa Crumley’s 13 points and seven rebounds.
“She is a great player and she does so much for our team, including being a great influence on me,” said USU Eastern’s Morgan Toluono.
Freshmen guards Lamija Coric and Emmery Wagstaff each contributed with a 11 points a piece including shooting a combined 50 percent from long distance. Toluono was the team’s leading rebounder on Friday in her home debut as she finished with 11 rebounds while putting in four points off the bench.
The Eagles then turned around on Saturday and lost 68-63 to the Eastern Arizona Gila Monsters. It was a rough start for the Eagles in the first quarter as the Monsters jumped out to a 12-0 lead after tipoff.
USU Eastern bounced back in the second quarter and only trailed Eastern Arizona 29-27 at the half. However, free throw shooting would end up hurting the Eagles in the end on Saturday. The Eagles shot 12-27 for 44.4% from the line while Eastern Arizona made 22 of 28 free throws.
“I think that had a lot to do with it. If we make those, we win or we are tied or we are up; it is a whole different ball game,” said Warburton.
In the loss, sophomore forward Abby Butler had an outstanding game for the Eagles as she finished with 22 points and 10 rebounds along with three steals.
“She stepped it up. The coaches gave her a challenge and she stepped it up as she always does,” said Toluono.
The Eagles now are 3-1 with two months of non-conference games left until the conference schedule begins. They will head to the Phoenix area for three games in three days, looking to get back in the win column.
“I think we will be ready. We have Monday to refocus and regroup before we get on the road to hopefully get three wins,” said Warburton.
Saturday’s loss will be the last home game until Jan. 5 when the Eagles take on Colorado Northwest.
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- Photos by Jeff Barrett
