Matt Ballenger scored a career-high 27 in the Yotes win
CALDWELL, Idaho - Matt Ballenger canned three consecutive three-pointers, part of a game-changing 24-5 second half run, as The College of Idaho ended a three-game losing streak with an 88-67 victory over Concordia University, inside the J.A. Albertson Activities Center.
The Coyotes (8-11, 4-8 CCC) recorded their highest scoring game of the year, knocking down 15 three-point baskets – including 6-of-7 during the second half spurt.
With the scored tied at 42-42, Ballenger got the ball rolling with a driving lay-up, with Brian Bergerson canning a long three to give The C of I a five-point lead. Ballenger and Steve Peres each canned long balls to push the margin to 53-44, with Ballenger adding his three-pack and Craig McGee a pair of free throws, to make it 66-47, with 13 minutes to play. The lead would be extended to as many as 24 in the victory.
The Cavaliers (14-8, 4-7) hung around in the first half, using an 8-0 run early to take a 12-11 lead on a Dustin Hiebert trey. The teams would battle through 14 lead changes in the opening period, with CU holding a 40-39 lead at the break.
Ballenger had a career-high 27 points, with Bergerson scoring 14 – before leaving the game midway through the second half due to injury. Peres added 13 points and eight rebounds, with Kelvin Potts scoring 13 points with seven assists.
Alex Tiefenthaler was the lone Cavs player in double figures with 18 points, with Kevan West and Drew Preuninger each scoring nine. The Yotes forced 16 CU turnovers and held a 43-38 edge on the glass.
Tomorrow night, the Coyotes host fifth-ranked Warner Pacific at 7:30 p.m.