ORANGE CITY, Iowa - The College of Idaho men's basketball season came to a close Saturday night as the Yotes fell to Northwestern College (Iowa), 80–62, in the NAIA National Tournament Round of 32 at the Bultman Center.
After a difficult first half put the Yotes in an early hole, trailing 50-23 at the break, College of Idaho regrouped and turned in a strong second-half effort against the NAIA's top offensive team. The Yotes shot 57.7 percent from the field in the final 20 minutes and outscored Northwestern 39-30 in the second half while slowing the tempo and settling into the game.
Sophomore Utrillo Morris led the Yotes with 17 points to go along with nine assists and six rebounds. Freshman Rey Johnston added 15 points behind five made 3-pointers, while Dougie Peoples finished with 12 points, all from beyond the arc.
The contest also marked the final appearance in purple and gold for the Yotes' senior class. Alex Germer made the start in his final game, while Isaac Mercer, Ethan Tinney, and CJ Mann all saw action down the stretch as the group took the floor together one last time. The quartet leaves the program having been part of two national championship teams, helping shape one of the most successful eras in College of Idaho basketball history.
Despite fielding one of the youngest rotations in the tournament, the Yotes leaned heavily on a talented freshman class throughout the season. Rey Johnston, Conner Sheets, David Kludt, Jackson Rogers, Reece Sasser-Gunson, and Tucker Tiddens all played key roles in the rotation as the team continued to grow and gain experience throughout the year.
College of Idaho closes the season with a 21–11 record and a return trip to the national tournament's second round.
Northwestern was led by Jesse Van Kalsbeek with 29 points and nine rebounds, while Jalen Langsy added 23 points as the Red Raiders shot 61.2 percent from the field to advance to the Round of 16 in Kansas City.