CALDWELL, Idaho – Andrew Bruce led four College of Idaho players in double-figures with a career-high 14 points, as the Coyotes opened defense of their Cascade Conference title with a 93-67 victory over Northwest University inside the J.A. Albertson Activities Center.
Bruce hit four of the No. 3 ranked Yotes (12-1, 1-0 CCC) nine three-point baskets, as the victory helped the team to their best start in the storied programs history.
"We knew that Northwest was going to look to take away Marko (Kovacevek) in the post with by double-teaming him; we did a nice job of spacing the floor and finding our shooters," head coach Scott Garson said. "Andrew did what he does best, knocking down wide-open three's. He's a very good shooter and has proven so all year long."
C of I used a 14-1 first half run, holding the Eagles (8-3, 0-1) without a made field goal over a five-minute stretch, to grab a 40-18 lead. The lead would grow to 73-41 in the second half as the Yotes extended their home court win streak to 23.
Demetrius Perkins flirted with a triple-double, scoring 11 points to go with his 10 rebounds and six assists in just over 20-minutes of action.
Josh Wilson scored six points, along with four steals and five assists in limited action. Emanuel Morgan added another five assists to go with the team's 29 on the night.
"Tonight we had 29 assists on 37 baskets which has been a staple for our team over the last year and a half," coach Garson added. "That is shades of the San Antonio Spurs and I am very proud of the way our team played together and shared the basketball."
The Yotes made the most of their depth, scoring 49 points from their bench, including at least two points from every player on the game roster.
During pregame, the 2013-14 C of I CCC championship team was honored with the unveiling of a new banner. Former players participated in the ceremony which was also available on a webcast online for out-of-state members of the championship team that could not be in attendance.
C of I will be back in action tomorrow night when they host the Geoducks of Evergreen State at 7:30 p.m.
