TAYLORSVILLE, Utah (Wednesday, January 24, 2024) – Salt Lake defended its homecourt against No. 19 Utah State Eastern, pulling away in the second half for a 58-49 win.

The Bruins are 17-4 and have won 13 straight games. They remain the only undefeated team in the Scenic West Athletic Conference at 4-0.

USU E took a five-point lead into the halftime break thanks to a stifling defense that held Salt Lake to under 35 percent shooting in the opening 20 minutes. 

After being shut out in the first half, Bruins leading scorer Heaven Samayoa-Mathis exploded for 16 second-half points, including a pair of third-period threes as SLCC outscored the Eagles 18-5. Samayoa-Mathis finished with a double-double, grabbing 11 rebounds and came away with three steals.

With do-it-all guard Ana Oliviera Dias in foul trouble, Ines Gnahore came off the bench to score 14 points and grab six rebounds in 24 minutes. Every time the Bruins needed a momentum-grabbing play, Gnahore was involved in the second half.

Salt Lake grabbed 13 offensive rebounds resulting in 11 second-chance points but it was the defense that told the story. SLCC forced 21 turnovers, including 12 steals that the Bruins turned into 25 points. Despite the foul trouble, Dias' four steals led the team.

The Bruins travel to Ephraim, Utah to face the Snow College Badgers (12-8, 2-2) on Thursday, February 1. Tip-off is scheduled for 5 p.m. (MT).

Find tickets for all Salt Lake Community College events here. 

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