TWIN FALLS - With both teams undefeated and ranked in the top five in the country something had to give. The fourth-ranked College of Southern Idaho Women's Basketball team beat top-ranked Salt Lake CC 64-53 Thursday to move into sole possession of first place in the Scenic West Athletic Conference and hand the Bruins their first loss of the season.
Early it looked like Salt Lake would run away with the game, leading the Golden Eagles by 13 points one minute into the second quarter. But the Golden Eagles steadily fought back into the game, closing the Bruin lead to 26-21 at the half.
The second half was all CSI as the Golden Eagles outscored Salt Lake 43-27 in the second half.
Sparking the Eagles was point guard Ma Kenzie VanSickle who knocked down three 3-pointers, scoring 11 points and adding five assists and three steals. Kandiss Barber and Brianna Osorio jumped on board. The two combined for 25 points, 19 rebounds, four assists and seven steals.
Salt Lake out-rebounded the Eagles but CSI shot 71 percent from the free-throw line compared to 64 percent for the Bruins. CSI also finished with three more 3-pointers.
The Golden Eagles also took care of the ball committing just 15 turnovers but forcing 24, while adding 18 assists.
CSI, 19-0, hosts Snow College Saturday at 3 p.m. Salt Lake drops to 18-1 on the season.