TWIN FALLS - The College of Southern Idaho Men's Basketball team trailed 82-72 with just under three minutes remaining but an overwhelming full-court press and some timely shots keyed a huge comback and ultimately led the Golden Eagles to a 87-86 victory over Snow Saturday in Scenic West Athletic Conference play.
The two teams came into the battle tied for third place in the SWAC so the victory gives CSI sole possession of third.
CSI cut the Snow lead to 83-79 at the 1:11 mark on two Pape Diatta free throws.
The Golden Eagles then forced a 5-second call on the Badgers who could not get the ball in time. That's when EJ Boyce knocked down a 3-pointer with a minute to play, cutting the Snow lead to just one point.
Snow couldn't convert on a layup at the 29-second mark, giving the ball to CSI. UC Iroegbu connected from beyond the arc with 18 seconds to play, giving CSI the two-point lead. After a missed 3-pointer with four seconds to play by Snow, the Badgers quickly fouled Pape Diatta, who calmy made both free throws.
Badger Chris O'Neill fired from half court at the buzzer, making the long-range 3-pointer but Snow still came up one-point short.
The Golden Eagles were led by Shaq Carr's 22 points and seven assists. Pape Diatta added 18 points, 10 rebounds and four assists. The only other player to score in double digits was Con Bauer with 12.
CSI, now 15-5 overall and 3-2 in SWAC, hosts North Idaho Saturday at 5 p.m.