NIC wins Region 18 opener

EPHRAIM, Utah – Nick Livi had 21 points and Scott Stockwell added 12 points and seven rebounds as North Idaho College defeated College of Eastern Utah 80-62 Wednesday in the Region 18 men’s basketball tournament.

The Cardinals (17-14) will face College of Southern Idaho (25-5) on Friday in the tournament semifinals. Jamall Rolle added 11 rebounds for NIC and Zach Parks had 11 points.

North Idaho built a 40-29 halftime lead on the strength of 6-for-14 shooting from 3-point range. The Cardinals had nine 3-pointers. The Cardinals shot 47.6 percent from the field for the game, but just 55 percent from the free-throw line.