Brian Bergerson's three wins it for Yotes
Wild Finish Nets Coyotes 79-78 Win over Evergreen
CALDWELL, Idaho - Brian Bergerson hit a three-pointer with six seconds remaining, capping a wild final minute comeback, as The College of Idaho rallied for a 79-78 victory over Evergreen State, tonight in the J.A. Albertson Activities Center.
The visiting Geoducks (15-9, 11-6 CCC) took their biggest lead of the night on a Michael Ward lay-up at 76-70 with 42 seconds remaining. However, the Yotes would not quit, as Bryan Champ drove the length of the floor, getting fouled on a made lay-up and converting the freebie to cut the margin to 76-73. After Ward split a pair of free throws, Kurt Nielson banked in a three-pointer with 17 seconds left, to cut Evergreen's lead to 77-76.
Nick Moore was then fouled, splitting a pair of free throws to set the stage for Bergerson, who got Julio Feliciano in the air with a pump-fake, then hit the triple in the right corner to send the crowd of 1,600 in a frenzy. The Geoducks would get two final chances, as Ward's driving lay-up hit back iron, with Nate Menefee's put back at the buzzer rimming out.
The first half was a see-saw affair, seeing nine lead changes and eight ties, with the Geoducks leading 41-39 at the break. After the Coyotes (15-12, 11-6) took a 49-46 second half lead, Evergreen used a 10-2 run to take the lead - which they would not relinquish until the waning seconds.
Five Yotes scored in double-figures, led by 14 each from Bergerson and Steffen Spinks. Craig McGee had 12 points and 12 rebounds, with Bryan Champ adding 11. Menefee led all scorers with 21, with Moore scoring 19, and Ward adding 17 points and nine rebounds.
The Coyotes meet Northwest University tomorrow night in the final regular-season home game at 7:30 p.m. It marks Senior Night for three C of I players - Champ, Nielson, and Ryan Sinfield.