PRICE, Utah - The Utah State Eastern men's basketball team defeated the Colorado Northwest Spartans 71-62 on Thursday to advance in he Region XVIII Tournament held in Taylorsville.

In their fifth match of the season against CNCC, the Eagles were in a close game again.

The Spartans were able to make forward Roman McKnight a non-factor in the first half after McKnight picked up two quick fouls. McKnight played only 8 minutes in the first half and scored six points.

Sophomore Koel Cutler led the Eagles in scoring in the first half with six points including two early three pointers.

The Eagles had a tough time making their shots in the first half, only shooting 24.1 percent from the field. They shot 15 percent from the long distance as well, making only 2 of 15 shots.

In the final six minutes of the first half the Spartans went on a 12-4 run. They took a 32-24 lead over the Eagles going into halftime while shooting 36 percent from the field.

The Spartans continued to build their lead in the first five minutes of the second half going up as much as 11. 

With 15:30 left in the game the Eagles tied the game with a McKnight three point shot.

After sophomore Cam Bailey went to the bench with his fourth foul, the Eagles fell behind to the Spartans again. They allowed the Spartans to take a 46-40 lead with 13 minutes to go.

The Eagles came back and took a one point lead with 9:45 to play thanks to defensive rebounding by McKnight and freshman Kristupas Totoris.

With 7:11 to go in the game Cutler hit a three to push the Eagles ahead of the Spartans by 7. In the second half he led the Eagles come back with 14 points.

Despite having McKnight fouling out with 5:38 left, the Eagles remained in control of the game and held off the Spartans for the win.

Cutler finished the game with a team-high 20 points while grabbing 2 rebounds.

McKnight scored 14 points and grabbed 3 rebounds before fouling out.

Bailey  finished with a double-double, he scored  11 points and grabbed 11 rebounds.

The Eagles will advance now to the conference semifinals to take on top seed Snow College on Friday at 2 p.m.

Fan's can watch the game live online at live.ksl.com or listen live on KOAL 750 AM.