SALINA, Kansas - The College of Southern Idaho avenged a season-ending loss last season in the NJCAA National Tournament by beating Tyler Wednesday 90-78 to advance to the quarterfinals against Chipola Thursday at 4 p.m. MST.
Last season after sitting almost three weeks without playing, the CSI women fell to Tyler in its opening round game at the national tournament. This time, CSI head coach Randy Rogers used the experience to make sure the Lady Golden Eagles were ready to play.
CSI knocked down 10 three-pointers and hit 62 percent of their field goals.
Freshman Denajha Kie led the way. The point guard finished the game with 12 points, 12 assists and seven rebounds. One of the main beneficiaries was Elisabet Lopez Sagrera, who finished the game with 21 points and seven rebounds.
Holly Blades and MaKenzie VanSickle each hit four 3-pointers for the Eagles. VanSickle finished the game with 15 points, four rebounds and four steals, while Blades added 16 points, four rebounds and four assists.
Samantha Lubcke also scored in double figures with 12 points and five rebounds.
The Golden Eagles took a 20-point lead late in the second half and then coasted the last two minutes of the game.
CSI will play Chipola CC Thursday at 4 p.m. MST in a quarterfinal matchup. Chipola, the two seed, beat Coffeyville 86-52 to advance to the game against CSI.
The game will be live on NJCAA TV at: http://www.njcaatv.com/womenbkbchamp/