Salt Lake Community College's chances to return to the NJCAA national tournament were crushed by seventh-seeded North Idaho College, 108-85, at the Scenic West Athletic Conference tournament Friday afternoon.
NIC shot over 50 percent against the Bruins, including 10 of 20 three point attempts.The Cardinals held a 17-point half-time advantage, which the Bruins trimmed to eight early in the second half. But back-to-back 3-pointers snuffed out SLCC's hopes.
"Nowadays a three is just as demoralizing as a dunk used to be," said Bruin coach Norm Parrish.
SWAC scoring leader Marcel Johnson was sidelined for the Bruins much of the second half and was slowed in the first half due to a thigh contusion. Without Johnson's offense, the Bruins struggled.
"Marcel is usually scoring or drawing four guys so it makes it tough when he is hurt," said Greg Blake, who led the Bruins with 19 points.
CSI 122, UVSC 113
The Golden Eagles advanced to the tournament championships as they downed the Wolverines in a high-scoring affair. Nationally ranked (No. 7) Southern Idaho will face rival North Idaho in the finals. The winner will qualify for the NJCAA national tournament in Hutchinson, Kansas.
Women's tournament
UVSC 93, CEU 74
In women's action, Utah Valley State College downed the College of Eastern Utah, despite losing Jill Ames to a season-ending knee injury in Wednesday's game against NIC.
In Friday's contest, the deep and talented Wolverines were led by Jodi Hawkins with 21 points.
The second-seeded Wolverines move on to play the regular-season champion Ricks Vikings, who defeated the College of Southern Idaho 64-53 on the Golden Eagles' home floor.
The winner will represent the region in the NJCAA women's tournament in Tyler, Texas, next week.