Box Score TAYLORSVILLE, Utah (January 31, 2019) - The No. 20 Salt Lake Community College women's basketball program returned to their usual ways Thursday night, earning an important victory at an in-state league rival.

The Bruins defeated USU Eastern in Price, 63-53, thanks to a strong defensive performance. The win lifted Salt Lake's overall record to 19-4 and 5-2 in the Scenic West Athletic Conference.

SLCC limited USU Eastern to just 38.8 percent shooting in the game (19-of-49), playing a physical style that saw them earn the victory in several important categories. The Bruins led 18-14 after the first quarter and 32-23 at halftime, controlling the momentum throughout the second half to pick up the win. 

Bruins coach Betsy Specketer said the win was important for Salt Lake's confidence. 

"Tonight was a great team win in a really tough environment," she said. "I'm super proud of our group on how poised they stayed and the plays they made down the stretch."

Three Salt Lake players carried the load, with Lauren Gustin posting a high of 18 points to lead all scorers. Miki'ala Maio scored 15 points, while Laura Pichot finished the evening with 14 points. 

The victory is important in the standings of the SWAC, with Salt Lake now holding a half-game lead over Snow College and Southern Idaho. The Bruins have a 1.5-game lead over USU Eastern.

Salt Lake will return home Saturday to play an important home game with the College of Southern Idaho. The game is scheduled for a 3:00 p.m. start inside the Lifetime Activities Center.