North Las Vegas, NV - February 17, 2024
In a thrilling matchup at the Coyote Event Center, the College of Southern Nevada Coyotes emerged victorious against the Utah State Eastern Eagles with a final score of 65-58. The intense game showcased the Coyotes' resilience and determination as they secured a crucial win in conference play.
From the opening tip-off, both teams battled fiercely, with neither willing to concede an inch. The first quarter saw a closely contested affair, with the Coyotes edging ahead 11-10. Japrix Weaver led the charge for Utah State Eastern, showcasing her offensive prowess with 7 points in the quarter.
As the game progressed, the Coyotes maintained their slim lead, heading into halftime with a 28-21 advantage.Â
The third quarter saw a surge from Utah State Eastern as they fought back to tie the game at 48-48 heading into the final period. However, the Coyotes remained composed under pressure, with Ellie Esplin and Kianna Lighthall stepping up to stem the Eagles' momentum.
In the decisive fourth quarter, the Coyotes dug deep and delivered when it mattered most. Led by the dynamic duo of Jordyn Stroud and Aaliyah Ibarra, Southern Nevada executed their game plan to perfection, outscoring their opponents 17-10 in the final minutes to seal the victory.
Stroud's dominant performance was a highlight of the game, as she finished with a double-double, tallying 20 points and 13 rebounds. Meanwhile, Ibarra provided valuable support with 13 points of her own, including crucial free throws down the stretch.
Defensively, the Coyotes were tenacious, forcing turnovers and contesting every shot. Their relentless pressure disrupted Utah State Eastern's offense and allowed Southern Nevada to capitalize in transition.
Despite a late surge from the Eagles, the Coyotes held firm and closed out the game with a hard-fought 65-58 win. The victory improves Southern Nevada's record to an impressive 21-4 overall and 4-4 in conference play, keeping them in contention for postseason success.
With their eyes set on the playoffs, the College of Southern Nevada Coyotes will look to build on this momentum as they continue their pursuit of championship glory. As the season progresses, they remain a force to be reckoned with in college basketball, poised to make a deep run in the postseason.
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