TWIN FALLS, Idaho - The College of Southern Idaho Men's Basketball Team moved into second place in the Scenic West Athletic Conference race with a 65-59 victory Saturday against Snow College.
The Golden Eagles out-rebounded the Badgers and held them to 35 percent from the field and 23 percent from long range, while forcing 16 turnovers to get the win. Taking advantage of their pressure defense, the Golden Eagles scored 23 of their points off turnovers. Leading the way and sparking CSI early was Jackson Ruai. The guard finished with four steals, six rebounds and one blocked shot.
One of the biggest plays of the game came with 28 seconds left in the game. After watching a 58-52 lead all but disappear and leading by just a one-point margin, CSI's Stevie Smith made an incredible layup on a pass from Maurice Barnett to give the Golden Eagles a 3-point lead. He added the and one and that was all CSI would need to hold on for the win.
Smith ended the game with 15 points, four rebounds and two assists. Barnett also had 15 points along with five rebounds. Sawyer Storms led CSI on the boards with seven and scored 13 points. Off the bench, Sebastien Reynoso-Jimenez had five rebounds and four points and Deng Dug finished with six rebounds and four assists.
It was also a special evening as former CSI coaching great and player Steve Gosar and Pierre Jackson were inducted into the CSI Athletic Hall of Fame. The two teamed up to help bring home CSI's third NJCAA National Championship in 2011. Both were introduced at halftime to a standing ovation.
CSI, now 13-9 overall and 2-2 in conference play, travel to USU Eastern Thursday and Snow College Saturday.