TAYLORSVILLE, Utah (November 23, 2018) - With how well they've started the season, the No. 8 Salt Lake Community College men's basketball team knew that a tough matchup was awaiting them.

The Bruins found that tough matchup Friday, as a back-and-forth contest ended in a narrow Salt Lake victory over Northeastern Junior College. SLCC picked up a 77-73 win over Northeastern in the opening game of their annual Thanksgiving weekend tourney, as the Bruins held off a furious rally from NJC to move to 6-1 in the preseason.

After a sizable 41-32 lead at halftime, Northeastern came back to bring the game within four points multiple times in the second half. With Salt Lake leading 71-67 late, Cameron Mack and Josh Colon both hit critical free throws to give the Bruins breathing room they desperately needed. SLCC led by as many as 13 points early in the second half.

Salt Lake started the game on a 5-0 run, with Mack hitting an early three-point shot and Hunter Schofield scoring in the paint with ease. Salt Lake would slowly build on the lead, keeping Northeastern from ever possessing an advantage. The Bruins scored 26 points off NJC turnovers.

Mack led SLCC with 20 points and 7 rebounds, followed up by Schofield's 17 points. Daron Henson finished with 11 points, while Colon contributed 10 points. Salt Lake scored just 14 bench points.

The Bruins will host their final game of the Thanksgiving weekend tourney Saturday, as they host Laramie County Community College at 7:00 p.m. inside the Lifetime Activities Center. Laramie County fell to Snow College in action on Friday.