The Colorado College men's basketball clinched a spot in the Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference tournament after defeating the University of the Ozarks 69-55 on Sunday in Clarksville, AR. 
 
CC had four players score in double-digits, holding Ozarks to 31.1 percent from the floor and only 18 points in the paint. 
 
Sophomore Gavin Carter and senior Devin Philio combined for 31 points, 11 rebounds and five assists. Philio was a rebound shy of a double-double and blocked a career-high four shots, while Carter shot 6-7 (85.7 percent) from the floor, including 2-2 from long range. 
 
The Tigers improved to 13-10 on the season and 9-5 in SCAC play. They sit second in the Blue Division and have clinched a spot in the conference tournament where only the top three teams from each division advance. 

"The guys were warriors this weekend," head coach Jeff Conarroe said. "What a tremendous effort and on the class. We were so locked in and executed the game plan so well; I'm very proud of our team." 
 
CC's defense locked down Ozarks in the opening half, limiting the Eagles to only 31.03 percent from the floor. The Tigers built the lead-up to as many as 13 points with 4:26 remaining in the half. 
 
Ozarks had a 16-12 lead halfway through the half, but the Tigers went on a 19-6 run over six minutes on the floor. 
 
The Eagles managed to cut back into the lead with a run to end the half, but CC still led 33-29 at the break. 
 
In the second half, CC shot the ball exceptionally well, making 50 percent of shots on the floor while holding Ozarks to a 31.25 percent clip. 
 
The Tigers jumped on a 13-2 run at the start of the half, capped by a Ty Hendler jumper and a Scott Ruegg steal-and-score with 15:45 remaining. CC never permitted the lead to be cut down to single digits for the rest of the afternoon. Ruegg finished the game with 11 points, four rebounds, two assists and a steal. 
 
Asher Nofziger was a rebound shy of a double-double as the Denver native racked up 11 points, nine boards, two assists, a block, and two steals. 
 
CC outrebounded Ozarks 39-33 and forced 11 turnovers. The Tiger return home to battle Schreiner and Trinity (TX) to wrap up the regular season. Tip-off against the Mountaineers is set for Friday, Feb. 21, at 7:30 pm MT.