Basketball Recap: Easton Pugmire Key Part of Team Effort in Mustangs Win

Mountain Crest hadn't done well against Bear River recently (they were 1-8 in their previous nine matchups), but they didn't let the past get in their way on Wednesday. The Mustangs snuck past the Bears with a 50-44 win. For the Mustangs, this counts as revenge for the 58-49 victory the Bears walked away with the last time they faced one another back in January.

Easton Pugmire

Rebounds (Career)

12/17/25 vs Bear River	11
12/13/25 vs Roy	10
12/04/25 vs Carbon	10
11/26/25 @ Ogden	8
01/29/25 vs Green Canyon	8

Mountain Crest's win was a true team effort, with many players turning in solid performances. Perhaps the best among them was Easton Pugmire, who dropped a double-double with 15 points and 11 boards. Those 11 rebounds gave Pugmire a new career-high. The team also got some help courtesy of Jackson Branz, who posted 12 points in addition to eight boards and four steals.

Mountain Crest smashed the offensive glass and finished the game with 13 offensive boards. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now pulled down at least 13 offensive rebounds in three consecutive matchups.

Bear River's defeat came despite a true team effort with many players turning in solid performances. Perhaps the best among them was Kaser Thurgood, who put up 12 points and seven rebounds. Thurgood is also on a roll when it comes to steals, as he's now grabbed two or more in each of the last three games he's played. Beckham Reese was another key player, putting up ten points along with five boards and four blocks.

The victory got Mountain Crest back to even at 5-5. As for Bear River, they have traveled a rocky road recently, having lost four of their last five contests. That's put a noticeable dent in their 3-5 record this season.

Mountain Crest will be home for the holidays to greet Green Canyon at 7:00 p.m. on Friday. As for Bear River, they will head out on the road to face off against Deseret Peak at 7:00 p.m. on Friday. The Bears will be up against the Golden Eagles' rather soft defense (which has allowed 65.4 points per game), so fans could be in store for a big offensive performance.