NIC wins to clinch SWAC title

EPHRAIM, Utah – The Region 18 college men’s basketball tournament is coming back to North Idaho College’s Christianson Gym for the first time since 2006.

Renado Parker scored 21 points and had seven rebounds to lead the North Idaho Cardinals to their seventh consecutive victory, a 71-59 decision over the Snow Badgers, clinching the Scenic West Athletic Conference championship and the right to host the conference tournament beginning Thursday.

Melvin Jones added 14 points, Demetrius Davis 10 poitns, Shawn Henderson nine rebounds, and Guy Michel four blocked shots for North Idaho (27-3, 12-3).

Donnie Lao had 17 points and five assists for Snow (18-12, 5-10), while Everton de Araujo had 12 points and 10 rebounds and Rory Patterson had 10 points.

The Cardinals entered league play Saturday night with a one-game advantage over Salt Lake after Eastern Utah handed Salt Lake an 83-80 overtime setback Friday night at Price, Utah.