Undefeated Snow Hosts Utah State Eastern in Key JUCO Showdown

EPHRAIM, Utah (Interstat) — The unbeaten Snow College Badgers, one of the nation’s top junior college men’s basketball teams, will put their perfect record on the line Thursday when they host the Utah State Eastern Eagles in a high-stakes Region 18 matchup.

The Badgers (16-0) have dominated their schedule, winning by an average margin of 28.6 points. Their closest call was a 96-91 overtime victory against McCook on Dec. 18. Snow’s offense has been explosive, scoring over 100 points three times this season, including a 127-point outburst against Western Nebraska.

Snow is led by forward Brock McClure, who is coming off a dominant 18-point, 15-rebound performance in a 96-65 rout of Colorado Northwestern on Jan. 3. McClure has recorded double-doubles in three of his last five games, showcasing consistent interior production.

The visiting Eagles (12-2) pose the most significant threat to date to Snow’s unblemished mark. Utah State Eastern has won five straight games, including a 78-72 victory over Salt Lake on Jan. 3. Guard Isaac Castagnetto leads the Eagles, averaging 19 points and seven rebounds in that win. He has been a versatile contributor, adding six assists in a victory over Western Nebraska last month.

The Eagles’ two losses this season came earlier in non-conference play. Their current winning streak indicates a team hitting its stride ahead of conference competition.

This game is the first of two regular-season meetings between the rivals. They will meet again in Price on Jan. 22 and conclude the season series back in Ephraim on Feb. 12. The outcome will provide an early benchmark in the Region 18 race.

Thursday’s contest tips off at 7:30 p.m. MST at the Horne Activity Center.