TWIN FALLS, Idaho - The 17th-ranked College of Southern Idaho Men's Basketball Team overcame a slow start to beat Clarendon 80-71 Friday in the semifinals of the Battle for the Boot Tournament.
The Golden Eagles trailed by 10 a little over three minutes into the game but gradually climbed back into the game and took a five point lead into the locker room at the half.
Nathan Ahner led CSI with 21 points and eight rebounds. Ace Reiser added 19 points and five rebounds. In his first start and game of the year, Ben Thornbrue finished with 13 points, seven rebounds and two assists. Jalen Lyn also had 13 points along with five rebounds.
Off the bench Cooper Kesler and Kyah Farris-White each had four points. Kesler added seven rebounds and three assists and Farris-White had six rebounds and two blocks. 
The Golden Eagles will take on North Idaho in the championship Saturday at 7 p.m. The Cardinals beat Eastern Florida to earn their spot against CSI.
The earlier games Saturday will be Casper vs. Columbia Basin at noon, McCook vs. Western Wyoming at 2 p.m. and Clarendon vs. Eastern Florida at 5 p.m.