NIC eliminated in semis

TWIN FALLS, Idaho – North Idaho College overcame a 16-point, first-half deficit, but the comeback fell short in a 76-72 semifinal loss to Salt Lake Community College at the Region 18 women’s basketball tournament Friday, ending the Cardinals’ season.

Brynne Louder and Rachel Millet were dominant inside for the Bruins (23-9), combining for 43 points on 17-of-23 shooting.

Salt Lake had a 41-29 lead at halftime, but NIC battled back.

Jeni Boesel hit a pair of free throws with 1:11 left to bring the Cardinals (22-10) within 73-70. The Cardinals held the Bruins on their next possession and had a chance to tie, but Sheena Hinkle’s 3 from the left side was off. NIC got the offensive rebound, but Boesel’s runner off the glass also missed with 24 seconds left.

Louder, who led all scorers with 24 points, hit two free throws with 23 seconds remaining to ice the victory.

Millet added 19 points and eight rebounds for the Bruins.

Boesel led NIC with 23 points while Hinkle chipped in 14.

Host Southern Idaho beat Snow 83-63 in the other semifinal.

Salt Lake 76, North Idaho 72

North Idaho (22-10)–Boesel 6-16 9-10 23, Hinkle 5-17 1-2 14, A.Thomas 2-8 2-2 6, Dennehy 1-3 1-1 3, Jones 2-8 2-2 6, Courchaine 1-5 1-2 4, McIntyre 2-2 0-0 4, Pearson 2-4 2-2 6, Koppen 0-1 0-0 0, Lyman 2-3 0-0 6. Totals 23-67 18-21 72.

Salt Lake (23-9)–Stay 1-2 1-2 3, J.Thomas 4-8 1-2 12, Walker 2-3 0-0 4, Millet 7-8 5-6 19, Louder 10-15 4-10 24, Evans 0-0 0-0 0, Young 1-3 1-2 3, Parai 1-3 0-0 2, Neilson 0-3 1-2 1, Manning 3-4 2-2 8. Totals 29-49 15-26 76.

Halftime–Salt Lake 41, North Idaho 29. 3-point goals–North Idaho 8-25 (Hinkle 3-12, Lyman 2-2, Boesel 2-8, Courchaine 1-2, Koppen 0-1), Salt Lake 3-8 (Thomas 3-5, Neilson 0-1, Parai 0-2). Fouled out–A.Thomas, Dennehy, Pearson. Rebounds–North Idaho 34 (Boesel 8), Salt Lake 36 (Millet, Young 8). Assists–North Idaho 16 (Jones 4), Salt Lake 21 (J.Thomas 8). Total fouls–North Idaho 22, Salt Lake 20. Technicals–North Idaho coach Carlson. A–NA.