TWIN FALLS - After losing to Snow two out of three times during the regular season, the ninth-ranked College of Southern Idaho Women's Basketball team won the game that mattered, beating the Badgers 59-48 Friday in the semifinals of the Region 18 Tournament.
The Golden Eagles built leads in the first half up to six points but couldn't maintain, trailing Snow by two at halftime.
CSI tied up the game three minutes into the third quarter on a Kandiss Barber free throw and never trailed again. It seemed like every time Snow pulled within a couple points or tied it, Barber or Osorio answered with a big basket.
Up 46-42 with six minutes to play in the game, Barber knocked down a jumper. Snow's Lisa VanCampen answered with a bucket before CSI created something breathing room on a layup by Anna Jofresa followed by a 3-pointer by Osorio. Badger Brooke Wheeler scored on a layup but again Osorio answered with a 3-pointer to give CSI the 56-46 lead with just under two minutes to play. It was all the cushion the Golden Eagles would need.
Barber led CSI with 22 points and 13 rebounds. Osorio added 15 points and 11 rebounds. Sophomore Matti Ventling also hit some big shots, going 3-for-6 from beyond the arc. She finished with 13 points and five rebounds.
With the win, the Golden Eagles advanced to the Region 18 Championship game against Salt Lake set for Saturday at 5 p.m.