NAMPA, Idaho - Paul Egwuonwu scored a career-high 18 points as Northwest Nazarene defeated The College of Idaho, 78-55, in the second game of the 2010 United Heritage Tip-Off Series at the Johnson Sports Center.
The “Oldest Collegiate Basketball Rivalry” in the Gem State saw the Crusaders (3-4) end a three-game losing streak – while winning their third game in a row in the 190th game in the series. It marked the largest margin of victory for either team since an 89-55 NNU win during the 1998-99 season.
Egwuonwu got NNU off to a quick start, scoring the first six points of the game – as the Crusaders never trailed. The Coyotes (3-8), who were playing the game as an exhibition, pulled within 12-10 on a Kelly McCarty jumper, but the hosts used a 11-4 run, including a trio of three-pointers, to push the margin to 23-14. The C of I would score six-straight, capped by a Matt Ballenger lay-up with 6:35 remaining in the half to pull within three – but would not convert another field goal the rest of the period. NNU would close the half on a 14-2 run, a spurt that would stretch to 34-8 eight minutes into the second half – blowing the game wide open.
Two other NNU players were in double-figures, as Drew Eisinger had 16 points, including three second half triples, with Darious Walker coming off the bench to score 12. The Crusaders held a decisive 38-22 edge on the glass, including a game-high 11 boards from Brian Barkdoll.
McCarty led the Yotes with ten points and four assists, with Steve Peres going 4-for-4 from the floor to score eight. Reserves Bryden Benke and J.J. Baisch each had seven points in the loss.
Following the game, a new tradition was unveiled as the Mayor's Cup was awarded to NNU and City of Nampa Mayor Tom Dale. The traveling Cup is a trophy that will sit in the office of the mayor, representing the victor of the most recent NNU-C of I men's basketball contest. City of Caldwell Mayor Garret Nancolas accompanied Dale in the trophy presentation.
The Yotes will return to Nampa this weekend, co-hosting the NNU/C of I Holiday Classic, meeting Walla Walla on Friday afternoon and Montana Western on Saturday night.