Photo by Jeff Barrett
By Cory McKendrick, USU Eastern Sports Information Contributor
The Utah State University Eastern men’s basketball improved to 9-7 for the preseason after sweeping their two-game weekend at the Salt Lake Community College Invitational. The Eagles played Tohono O’odham Community College (YOCC) and Impact Academy on the road at a neutral site in Taylorsville.
USU Eastern continued its hot shooting from the previous weekend in the first game against TOCC. The Eagle offense earned a 21-point lead after the first half of play. Christian Haffner led all scorers in the game with 21 points on eight of 10 shooting and another impressive night from beyond the arc, connecting on five of seven three-pointers. USU Eastern led by as much as 35 in the game and the final score was 89-55.
The second game of the weekend was against Impact Academy. Five Eagles scored in double figures with Dillon Sorenson leading all scorers at 19. Sorenson also added five assists and two rebounds. The team shot 48% from the field and 41% from three. USU Eastern extended their winning streak to five after the 98-76 victory over Impact Academy.
USU Eastern will take a short break from play for the Christmas holiday and be back in action on New Year’s Eve, Dec. 31, as they take the court in a scrimmage against Westminster College. The scrimmage will be the last preseason contest prior to the start of regular season play in the Scenic West Athletic Conference.