Utah State Eastern women’s basketball split two games at the Coca-Cola Classic in Twin Falls, Idaho, hosted by the College of Southern Idaho.
USU Eastern opened the tournament Friday with a 71-55 victory over Treasure Valley Community College, earning its first win of the season. The team scored 27 points in the first quarter and led 27-14 entering the second. A 17-7 run to begin the quarter helped USU Eastern build a 46-29 halftime advantage.
USU Eastern reached a 25-point lead during the game and held an 18-point advantage entering the fourth quarter. The team shot 64% from three-point range, outrebounded Treasure Valley 52-32 and collected 21 offensive rebounds that produced 18 second-chance points.
Jessie Whinwray and Keira Hester each scored 14 points, while Alyssa Whittaker added 13. Lexie Kesler scored five points in the third quarter. Treasure Valley managed eight points and three made baskets during that period.
USU Eastern faced Dawson Community College on Saturday and fell 70-68. Dawson took an early nine-point lead, but USU Eastern entered the second quarter trailing 23-22 and went into halftime behind 37-35.
Whinwray had 11 points by halftime while making five of eight field-goal attempts. She added 10 points in the third quarter, shooting three for three, as USU Eastern outscored Dawson 23-17 and took a 58-54 lead into the final period.
Dawson opened the fourth quarter with a 6-0 run. The teams were tied at 60 with five minutes remaining before Dawson secured the two-point victory.
Whinwray led USU Eastern with 23 points against Dawson. Ellah Oeser finished with 10 points and eight rebounds.
USU Eastern is scheduled to host Western Nebraska Community College at 5 p.m. Eastern on Friday, Nov. 13, in its home opener and the Eagle Classic. The team is scheduled to play Central Wyoming College at 1 p.m. Eastern Saturday, Nov. 14.