NIC men’s basketball edges Eastern Utah

The North Idaho College men’s basketball team defeated Utah State University-College of Eastern Utah 63-61 Feb. 7 at Rolly Williams Court.

Keon Lewis hit a 3-pointer in the first half to catch the Cardinals up to a 14-15 score. Lewis led the Cardinals with 17 points and shot four of four from the free-throw line.

Mike Middlebrooks had 13 points and two blocked shots.

“Utah played really well tonight,” NIC head coach Jared Phay said. “It was a tough, grind-it-out game. I’m really happy with the win.”

Middlebrooks had a put back dunk to end the first half trailing Utah 33-35.

NIC and Utah were neck-and-neck in the final minutes of the game, but NIC had a stop in transition and sealed Utah’s fate.

“We have to realize any team can beat us,” Phay said. “We have to get better defensively and contain the dribble, and just play better defensively overall.”