REDDING, Calif. – College of Idaho improved to 2-1 all-time in season openers in California with a commanding 91-49 win over Pacific Union on Friday at Simpson University.
The Yotes (1-0) jumped out to a 48-17 halftime advantage by getting hot early from the floor before rolling to the largest win since a 90-32 defeat of Walla Walla on Dec. 29, 2018.
Friday marked the third time that C of I had opened the season in the Golden State, including another convincing win back in 1997, dominating Cal State Monterey Bay 127-14.
C of I wasted little time building a lead, going ahead 11-0 just over three minutes into the contest on five points from
Kenadee French and a trio of baskets by
Lexi Mitchell,
Sienna Riggle and
Kaylee Krusemark.
Riggle was outstanding in the first game of her senior campaign, dominating the interior on the way to posting a double-double with 18 points and 11 rebounds. Riggle went 9-for-14 from the field.
Three players joined Riggle in double-digits, led by Mitchell with 17 points and five rebounds.
Jada Reed started at the point guard position and posted 14 points, 7 assists and 5 steals. Krusemark had 14 points and three rebounds.
Off the bench, freshman
Averee Porter had a nice collegiate debut, hitting all three of her shots from the floor as she scored seven points. Senior
Mattie Creager hauled in six rebounds.
C of I more than doubled up the Pioneers (0-1) on the boards, winning that battle 45-22. In addition, the Yotes assisted on 22 of 40 made baskets.
By finishing 40-for-71 from the field (56 percent), the Yotes put together the best shooting percentage for the program in a game since connecting on 61 percent of their shots on Nov. 19, 2010 against Walla Walla.
The Yotes return to action on Saturday morning at 11 a.m. PT for a meeting against Simpson.
