TWIN FALLS, Idaho - The 13th-ranked College of Southern Idaho Men's Basketball team closed a 11-point deficit to take a a two-point lead late in the second half but ran out of steam, falling to 7th-ranked Salt Lake CC 100-91 Saturday to open Scenic West Athletic Conference play.
The Golden Eagles trailed by 10 at the half and by 13 two minutes into the second half, but chipped away until they led by two with 6:32 to go in the game.
Some missed free throws, an offensive charge and a turnover proved to be too much to overcome as Salt Lake scored from long range and at the free-throw line when it needed it.
CSI out-shot SLCC from the field 49 percent to 45 percent. But the Bruins out-shot the Eagles 45 percent to 31 percent from the 3-point line and 77 percent to 55 percent from the free-throw line.
Malik Porter finished the game with 16 points, seven rebounds and five blocked shots. David Walker added 16 points.
Roberto Gittens had a solid night, posting 11 points, five rebounds and seven assists while Brayden Parker was big inside, finishing with seven rebounds and four points.
CSI, now 15-4 overall and 0-1 in league play, travels to Snow Thursday.