4,278 Fans Watch NNU Top C of I Men, 76-71
NAMPA, Idaho - Joel Ryman hit a three-pointer with just over three minutes remaining, as Northwest Nazarene closed the game on a 9-2 run, as the Crusaders defeated The College of Idaho, 76-71, in the 7th Annual United Heritage Tip-Off exhibition game before 4,278 fans at the Idaho Center.
The win for NNU ended a three-game losing streak in the series - the oldest basketball rivalry in the State of Idaho, dating back to 1933.
The Coyotes battled back from a 64-58 deficit late in the second half, as Jordan Stokes scored nine-straight points, giving The C of I a 69-67 lead. However, Ryman hit his trey, then after both teams squadered possessions, Louie Beech hit a triple with less than a minute to go to stretch the margin to four, with the Crusaders sealing the game with free throws.
Unlike the last three meetings in which the Yotes trailed by at least 17 points, neither team had a lead of more than six.
Stokes led the way with 21 points, eight rebounds, and three steals, while Craig McGee scored 19 points. NNU got 14 points from Beech, Kendall Gielow adding 13 points and six rebounds, Brian Barkdoll scoring 12.
The Coyotes return to action on Friday afternoon, meeting Westmont College in the Las Vegas Classic at Desert Oasis High School in Las Vegas, Nev.