Nicholas Anderson scored 20 points for the Rustlers on Friday but it wasn’t enough to gain a lead on Utah State University-College of Eastern Utah. USU-Eastern defeated the Rustlers 87-76.
“We’re improving and getting better…it’s just not being reflected in the win-loss column right now,” said Pat Rafferty, head coach. “This game is a good example of that. They beat us soundly a couple of weeks ago in Utah; this time it was a two possession game with about 2:30 minutes to go.”
The Rustlers tried to make a comeback in the second half but couldn’t gain the 11 point difference in the final score. Three other Rustlers scored double figures; Justice Augmon with 16 points, Gary Long Jr. with 12 and Devon Brown chipped in with ten.
Long grabbed five rebounds and had three assists.
“We have limitations, everyone team does,” Coach Rafferty said. “I’ve really emphasized with this team that our effort, determination and drive cannot be our limitations. We can’t control our size but we can control our effort and how hard we play. With that being said I’ve been very happy with our effort and desire of late. Those aren’t the reasons or cause of why we’re losing games; we’ve lost games because of execution, decisions and skill level but not effort.”
The men turned around and dominated the court 110-76 against Great Falls JV on Dec. 5.
CWC led 53-38 at halftime and kept a 19 point lead in the second half.
Nicholas Anderson scored double digits with 29 points for the team hitting five treys. Brannon Cresanto scored 16 points and Gary Long Jr., contributed 15.
Anderson had six assists and he and Augmon battle six rebounds each during the contest.
