CALDWELL, Idaho – No. 4 College of Idaho overcame a pesky and hot-shooting Providence (Mont.) squad on its way to a 86-80 win in its first game of the Taco Bell Classic on Friday night.
The Yotes (4-1), who have won four straight since a season-opening loss to Arizona Christian, spread the scoring wealth among four-different players in double figures including
Charles Elzie with 20,
Tyler Robinett added 18,
Johnny Radford scored 15 and
Jake O'Neil had his first double double of the season with 11 points to go along with 11 rebounds. Reserve
Straton Rogers continues to give a spark off the bench with eight points and eight rebounds as the Yotes reserves outscored Providence by a 29-0 margin.
The Argos (5-2) landed all five players in double figures including Eric Milner, who had 23 points to lead Providence. He was joined in double figures by Jake Olsen (17), Kenny Curtis (15), Drayton Caoile (13) and Sam Vining (12).
With a 33-32 lead at halftime, College of Idaho started the second 20 minutes with a 10-2 run to go that included five-straight by Elzie. A resilient Providence squad managed to tie the game on three occasions, including at 70 when Olsen banked in a 3-pointer with 4:30 to go. Again, Elzie had an answer with a three-point play that put the home team ahead for the remainder of the game.
Twice, the Argos got the deficit to as little as one but the home team fed off the home crowd and playing in front of friends and family. With a 76-75 lead with 3:09 left to play, Robinett knocked down his third 3-pointer of the game to push the lead back to four. The cushion would remain four points or greater in the final minutes. College of Idaho sealed the win, making its final four free throws.
Next, the Yotes will host a 6-2 Madonna squad, who earlier in the day defeated CCC member Eastern Oregon, 81-68. The Crusaders, out of Livonia, Michigan, have been receiving votes in the NAIA national poll.
