PORTLAND, Ore. – Facing the No. 1 scoring offense in the NAIA, the College of Idaho shook off a slow start and rode a career night from
Jake Bruner to an 84-74 victory over Multnomah University at Jim Skagen Court.
Bruner led four Coyotes (21-3, 14-0 CCC) in double-figures with 21 points, adding 10 rebounds, as C of I remained unbeaten in Cascade Conference play and extended their win streak to 15 games – equaling their second-longest win streak in program history.
The Lions (11-12, 4-9 CCC), who came into the night averaging 98 points per game – rode a 20-point first half Justin Martin, as the NAIA's leading scorer scored nine points in a 10-0 surge that gave MU a 40-26 lead with four minutes left in the opening period.
Bruner countered with his own 8-0 run – pulling C of I within 44-38 at the break.
MU led 61-57 with 11 minutes remaining following a Trey Fountain runner – but the Coyotes found their rhythm on both ends of the floor. C of I held the Lions to just one made field goal in the next eight minutes, as
Nate Bruneel and Charles Elzie each hit 3-pointers and Bruner capped the game-changing 19-2 run with a driving lay-up, giving the Coyotes their largest lead of the night at 76-63.
Bruner made 9-of-12 field goals, including both of his 3-point attempts, in the victory.
Ivory Miles-Williams had 14 points and eight rebounds, with both
Jalen Galloway and
Talon Pinckney scoring 10. C of I had a 43-31 edge on the glass – including 17 offensive boards.
Martin finished the evening with 29 points, with Zach Richardson scoring 16 and Jaeden Ingram posting 15 points and 11 rebounds.
C of I travels tomorrow for a 7:30 p.m. (PT) match-up at Warner Pacific.
