Colorado College picked up a crucial Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference victory by defeating Trinity University, 58-51, in a defensive battle on Friday night at Reid Arena.

CooXooEii Black sank a pair of free throws to give CC a 53-51 lead and then its defense held Trinity scoreless during the final 1:53 to seal the win.

On Trinity's ensuing possession, Black blocked Aaron Knopp's attempted layup, and two possessions later, the junior forward turned an offensive rebound into a basket and a 55-51 lead with 27 seconds to play.

Senior guard Edmund Pendleton made two free throws with 15 seconds remaining and then junior guard Eric Jonas clinched the win by making the first of two free throws in the final three seconds.

Black finished with game highs of 15 points and 11 rebounds for his sixth double-double of the season.  

Junior guard Nabeel Elabdeia and Jonas added 10 points apiece for Colorado College, which improved to 6-11 overall and 2-6 in the Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference.

CC opened a 40-32 lead when Jones knocked down a jumper from the right baseline with 10:58 to play, but TU's Brooks Mays scored four points and set up another score during an 8-0 surge that tied the score for the fourth time.

Colorado College never trailed during the final 6:57, however it never could get push its lead past three points.

Knopp tied the score for the final time at 51-51 on a layup with 2:16 remaining.

Pendleton grabbed nine rebounds, dished out five assists and scored four points for CC.

Danny Rivara and Mays led Trinity with 11 points apiece.

Knopp finished with 10 points for TU, which dropped to 2-12 overall and 2-3 in the SCAC.

Colorado College plays its next three games on the road, beginning on Friday, Jan. 18, at Schreiner University.