RICHFIELD, Utah - The College of Southern Idaho Men's Basketball Team defeated USU Eastern 69-55 Friday in the semifinals of the Region 18 Tournament to secure its spot in the championship game on Saturday.
USUE hung around until late in the second half when Marcellious Lockett and Jackson Brinkerhoff came off the bench to spark the Golden Eagles and help them pull away.
Lockett ended the game with eight points and one steal and Brinkerhoff had four points and eight rebounds.
The Golden Eagles finished with an uncharacteristic 17 turnovers for the game but out-rebounded USUE 46-30 and knocked down their free throws, shooting 77 percent. 
Amoro Lado led CSI with 16 points. KT Raimey added 14 points and four rebounds. Deng Dut finished the game with seven points, three assists and 11 rebounds.
CSI will play for the Region 18 Championship Saturday at 3 p.m. with a berth in the NJCAA National Championships on the line.