Snow pulls away to defeat Utah State Eastern
Photo by Kyle Parry.
PRICE — The Snow College men’s basketball team used a strong second-half surge to defeat Utah State Eastern 81-70 on Thursday night, securing its 20th win of the season in Scenic West Athletic Conference play.
Snow College led 26-23 at halftime after a slow offensive opening period that featured limited scoring on both sides. The Badgers shot 35.7 percent from the field in the first half and made just two 3-pointers, but limited Utah State Eastern to 34.6 percent shooting to keep a narrow lead.
The Badgers opened the second half with a decisive run, outscoring the Eagles 16-4 over the first five minutes. Sam Sivulich hit back-to-back 3-pointers during the stretch, and Bron Roberts and McCaden Adams followed with additional shots from beyond the arc to push Snow College ahead 42-30.
Snow College extended the lead to as many as 15 points midway through the second half. Max Toombs provided a lift off the bench, scoring eight consecutive points to give the Badgers a 56-41 advantage with 11 minutes remaining.
Utah State Eastern cut the deficit to seven points late in the game, but Snow College responded with timely baskets and free throws to hold off the rally.
Sivulich led Snow College with 15 points while shooting 5 of 10 from the field and 4 of 8 from 3-point range. Adams finished with 14 points, seven rebounds, four steals and three assists. Brock McClure added 14 points, Sean Felts posted 10 points and eight rebounds, and Toombs scored 12 points in 14 minutes off the bench.
Snow College shot 54.5 percent from the field in the second half and finished the game at 45.9 percent overall. The Badgers committed just six turnovers and recorded eight steals, scoring 23 points off Utah State Eastern turnovers.
Utah State Eastern shot 43.4 percent from the field and 41.2 percent from 3-point range. Ike Palmer led the Eagles with 17 points, while Isaac Castagnetto added 15.
The win improved Snow College to 20-1 overall and 5-1 in conference play, marking the program’s fifth consecutive season with at least 20 victories.
Snow College returns home tonight to face North Idaho College at the Horne Activity Center.