Utah State Eastern Eagles Look to Upset Snow Badgers in Regular Season Finale

EPHRAIM, Utah (Interstat) — The top-ranked Snow College Badgers, riding a dominant season, will host the Utah State Eastern Eagles in a men’s junior college basketball regular-season finale on Friday, March 6, 2026.

Snow (27-3) enters the contest as the clear favorite, having defeated the Eagles in all three meetings this season, including an 84-64 rout at home on Feb. 12. The Badgers’ high-powered offense, which has eclipsed 100 points three times this season, will be tested by a Utah State Eastern squad seeking a statement win before the postseason.

The Eagles (20-8) are coming off a dramatic 72-71 road victory over North Idaho last Saturday, fueled by a 24-point performance from standout guard Ike Palmer. Palmer has been on a tear, averaging 19.3 points over his last six games. His versatility was on full display in a Jan. 31 win over North Idaho, where he posted 25 points, seven rebounds and seven assists. Containing Palmer will be a key focus for the Badgers’ defense.

Snow counters with forward Sean Felts, a consistent double-double threat. Felts is averaging a double-double over his last five contests (13.2 points, 10.8 rebounds) and recorded 15 points and seven rebounds in the team’s most recent outing, a narrow 71-66 loss at Southern Idaho on Feb. 28. That defeat snapped a five-game winning streak for the Badgers, who had not lost since Jan. 22.

The previous head-to-head results this season tell a clear story: Snow won 81-70 in Ephraim on Jan. 22 and 81-74 on Jan. 8 before February’s 20-point victory. In the Feb. 12 matchup, Snow’s defense held Utah State Eastern to 34.8% shooting from the field.

For Utah State Eastern, breaking through against the region’s top team would provide crucial momentum. For Snow, a victory solidifies its top seeding and avenges its recent stumble. Tipoff is set for 7:30 p.m. MST at the Horne Activity Center.