Trailing by only six points at half despite shooting just 27% from the field and missing all 4 of their 3-point attempts, the Eagles used some timely shooting to grab a 52-48 lead with just less than nine minutes to play.

With the game tied 62-62 Zac Bargen hit a clutch 3-pointer to give the Eagles its biggest lead since the 9-minute mark. However, it was short-lived as Avery Redmond came down on the Cougars’ next possession and hit a 3-pointer of his own.

The remaining four minutes went back and forth until the Eagles grabbed a 4-point lead after another bucket from Bargen.

With 40 seconds to play Kyle Weaver cut the Eagles lead to 73-71. Following a missed shot on the Eagles’ next possession, Colorado Christian had a chance to tie or win the game but Chris Taylor applied aggressive defense on the inbound play and forced a bad pass that gave the ball back to the Eagles with only 7.6 seconds left.

Bargen was fouled on the ensuing inbound play and calmly knocked down both free throws to ice the game. He led the Eagles with 20 points…14 in the second half and with a perfect 10-10 from the foul line…and added 7 rebounds.
Kendrick Holliman added 16 and Kyle Vinich finished with 12 points and eight rebounds.

Redmond had 21 to lead Colorado Christian, which slips to 13-9 and 10-8 in conference heading into a Saturday night game at Black Hills State.

The Eagles, now 3-19 overall and 3-15 in the RMAC, will host Colorado Mines Saturday night in their final home game of the season. Tip-off is scheduled for 8 p.m.

After the game, the local Fellowship of Christian Athletes huddle is hosting a Fifth-Quarter party as part of its Western Nebraska Husker tour.

NU football players Imani Cross and Mike Rose will be there to meet with students and area residents and to share their faith in Jesus Christ and how it shows in their lives both on and off the field.

Box Score