Box Score TAYLORSVILLE, Utah (January 18, 2018) - The No. 4 Salt Lake Community College Bruins are deservedly regarded as a nationally-elite program, meaning there are burdens they have to face.

For instance, they have to face the burden of getting every team's best shot, regardless of their record or reputation. That burden reared its head Thursday, as the league-leading Bruins faced off against Colorado Northwestern in a Scenic West Athletic Conference matchup. The Spartans led 27-23 midway through the first half, with Salt Lake struggling to break the CNCC press. However, there's a reason why the Bruins have their reputation; a reputation that will undoubtedly improve thanks to an 89-71 victory over Colorado Northwestern.

With the Bruins trailing early, coach Todd Phillips called a timeout to reestablish momentum. The timeout proved worthwhile as Salt Lake went on a 10-0 run, with freshman guard Matt Lindsey converting an and-one to give Salt Lake a 33-27 lead just moments later. SLCC led 41-32 at halftime.

The Bruins ended up shooting 53.1 percent from the floor (34-of-64), holding the Spartans to just 37.1 percent. Salt Lake also limited Colorado Northwestern to just 16.7 percent (3-of-18) from three-point range.

Salt Lake's Christian Gray had an impressive night, earning a double-double of 17 points and 11 rebounds to lead the Bruins. SLCC had five double-digit scorers, with Josh Colon finishing with 16 points off the bench. Bushmen Ebet finished with 15 points, Dalven Brushier had 13 points and Alec Monson contributed 10 points.

The Bruins will have a nine-day break before their next game, which will come in the form of another road contest at USU Eastern on Sat., Jan. 27. Salt Lake's next home game is scheduled for Feb. 10, when the Bruins welcome in-state rival Snow College.