Friday, March 6, 2026
The CSC Eagle Newspaper – Chadron, NE
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The CSC Eagle Newspaper – Chadron, NE
Basketball

Eagles struggle on road, prepare for BHSU

Preston Goehring
Jay Feltson (32), junior center of Saginaw, Michigan, grabs the rebound Saturday during a game against the University of Colorado-Colorado Springs at the Chicoine Events Center. — Photos by Jordyn Hulinsky
Jay Feltson (32), junior center of Saginaw, Michigan, grabs the rebound Saturday during a game against the University of Colorado-Colorado Springs at the Chicoine Events Center. — Photos by Jordyn Hulinsky

CSC squared up with the University of Colorado-Colorado Springs, Friday, where they fell, 86-80.

The Eagles played well in the first half, swapping leads until the No. 20-ranked Mountain Lions went on an 8-4 run in the last five minutes, giving them the advantage, 41-38. Senior Chris Smith, of Pasadena, California, led the Eagles with eight points. Sharif Black, freshman of Detroit, grabbed seven rebounds to go along with six points in the first period.

After the break, UCCS came out swinging, extending the lead to 56-42. The Mountain Lions shot 57 percent from behind the arc, giving them the edge they needed. Seniors Evan Brooks, of Ontario, California, and Josiah Lee, of Colorado Springs, Colorado, each added seven for the Eagles.

With just over a minute left, the Eagles came within four of the Mountain Lions. However, UCCS hit four straight from the line to seal the game.

Black and Brooks finished with 13 points. Smith followed with 12.

“We had great ball movement early in the game,” Smith said. “We weren’t able to finish that way.”

CSC faced off against Colorado State University-Pueblo, losing 86-73. In another back-and-forth first half, the Eagles held a two-point advantage going into the break, thanks to a buzzer beater from Justyn Anderson, junior of Las Vegas.

Michael Safer (42), senior of Elizabeth, Colorado, fights for the ball Jan. 13 during a game against Colorado Christian University. — Photos by Jordyn Hulinsky
Michael Safer (42), senior of Elizabeth, Colorado, fights for the ball Jan. 13 during a game against Colorado Christian University. — Photos by Jordyn Hulinsky

The second half proved to be the same story, neither team able to build a substantial lead until the ThunderWolves went on a 12-1 run, to launch them to a victory.

Smith led the Eagles with 16 points, shooting 50 percent from three-point land. Senior of Spanish Fort, Alabama, Kendrick Holliman, added 12. Michael Safer, senior of Elizabeth, Colorado, ended the night with 12 points, five boards, and three blocks.

“I went to the free throw line a lot,” Safer said. “I was more aggressive and my teammates kept giving me the ball. I also knew that their big men were important to their offense, I wanted to help out my team by taking that option away.”

Chadron State will finish the season against rival Black Hills State University, Saturday.

“We’ll prepare the same with hard practices and a great scouting report from the coaches,” Safer said. “This game is important to all of us to finish strong and end the season well for those returning next year. We owe these guys after earlier this year.”