EPHRAIM, Utah - As the old adage goes, a team must win its first and its worst to stay alive when tournament time rolls around. The College of Southern Idaho Men's Basketball team was able to do both, beating USU Eastern 81-74 Friday to advance to the Region 18 Championship.
The Golden Eagles had previously beaten USUE by a combined 307-239 in the three games the two teams played during the season. 
But a pesky USU Eastern squad led for more than half of the game Friday, out-shooting the Golden Eagles 45 percent to 39 percent from the field and 71 percent to 64 percent from the free-throw line.
Five CSI players finished the game in double-digit scoring led by Danya Kingsby's 22 points. The sophomore was 4-for-8 from the 3-point line and 4-for-4 from the free-throw line.
Tommy Burton continued to wreak havoc offensively and defensively. The post finished the game with 13 points, 16 rebounds, one assists, one block and one steal.
Khalid Thomas and Charles Jones Jr., each added 15 points, while Jake Hendricks totaled 10.
CSI will play Saturday at 7:30 p.m. for a shot at hosting the District Championship where the winner will advance to the NJCAA National Tournament.