The USU Eastern men’s basketball team traveled to Rock Springs, Wyo. on Thanksgiving weekend to take part in a tournament. The Golden Eagles secured a win in their first match up of the weekend but fell short in the second.
On Friday, the Eagles took on Eastern Wyoming College and secured an easy win, 96-78. USU Eastern gained momentum in the first, leading 54-39 at the half. Despite a rally in the second by their opponents, the Eagles were able to wrap up the game with an 18-point lead over Eastern Wyoming.
Juwan Moody led the team with 21 points off the bench. Nathaniel Wright chipped in an additional 16 points and grabbed 13 boards in the game. Eight three-point shots and 22 free throws made, helped lead the Eagles to the victory.
The Eagles did not have the same momentum carry them in Saturday’s game. Despite a hard-fought battle, the team fell 80-72 in the matchup. It was a close contest at the half with the Eagles only down five points, 41-36. Western Wyoming edged out USU Eastern in the second half, finishing the game with an eight-point win.
Royale Ewing led for the Eagles in the game with 18 points followed by Josh Van Weezep with 16. Five steals and 21 offensive rebounds were not enough to secure another win on the road for USU Eastern.
The team now sits sits at 7-3 on the season. USU Eastern will return home for play this upcoming Friday and Saturday against Impact Academy. Tip off is scheduled for 5 p.m. both evenings.