Central Splits Again Over the Weekend

The Rustlers faced off against two more Region 18 teams, Utah State University- Eastern and Snow College. Once again splitting over the weekend, winning 53-51 over the very talented USU-E then losing 40-66 to Snow College. 

"We did many things right against USU-E that aren't on a stat sheet," stated Coach Fearing.  "Our defensive urgency directly correlates to our offensive tendencies having life. This game we played with urgency to get the ball back in our possession."  Rustlers forced USU-E into 13 turnovers on the game and began piecing together defensive stop after stop in the second half.  Rustlers went into halftime down 4 points then came out firing in the third quarter, out scoring USU-E 23 to 12 in the third quarter. "We wanted that game more than USU-E in the second half." 

There were a few lead changes throughout the game, but it might have been the fourth quarter lead change that really sealed the deal for the Rustlers.  Under the four minute mark, the Rustlers went down 46-49 but stayed in control.  The Rustlers stayed patient on offense and never lifted their foot off the gas pedal. 

Essy Latu beat her defender to the basket, cutting the scoring 48-49.  The Rustlers would then have two more great stops against USU-E offense, turning them into good offensive looks.  With less than 60 seconds left, Essy Latu hit a big step back three to put the Rustlers ahead 51-49.  They finished the game by stacking up a few more big time defensive stops and knocking down two final free throws by Lani Taliauli, ending the game 53-51.

The second game on the weekend did not end well for the Rustlers. "Everything we did right Friday, we forgot how to do on Saturday," said Coach Fearing.  Central's womens basketball team under performed only scoring 16 in the first two quarters, leaving them trailing 16 by half.

"We are a very talented group but just like every other college team, we can be beat on any given day" said Coach Fearing.  Snow College had 4 players in double figures, 11 offensive rebounds and made 9 three pointers on the game. "It is hard to get stops when there is no energy or communication happening on the court for 40 minutes." 

"As a whole, we have to improve on our mental demeanor towards games, and I think that starts in practice.  We are not consistent as a group yet but we are making strides.  Our team tends to lack mental toughness and discipline as individuals...that has to change," commented Coach Fearing.  

The Rustlers will head to Casper College Thursday, November 14th through Saturday, November 16th to compete for three wins.  They will play Snow College, NJC, and Casper College.