CALDWELL, Idaho — The College of Idaho women's basketball team opened the Best Western Caldwell Inn & Suites Classic with a convincing 72-57 victory over Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (Ariz.) Friday evening inside Elgin Baylor Arena.
The Yotes (5-2) seized control early, building a 19-11 lead after the first quarter and stretching the margin to 39-20 by halftime. Their largest lead of the night came late in the third quarter at 55-33, fueled by balanced scoring and dominance on the glass. C of I finished with a 46-36 edge in rebounds and outscored the Eagles 28-24 in the paint.
Maiya Hardy anchored the Yotes with a double-double, tallying 14 points and a game-high 16 rebounds. Taryn Riley paced the offense with 15 points and six free throws, while Kylie Waltermeyer added 12 points, including a pair of three-pointers. Off the bench, Lainee Houillon and Riley Beck combined for 13 points and provided key energy in the second half.
C of I shot 41 percent from the field and converted 17-of-21 free throws (81 percent), while limiting Embry-Riddle to 33.8 percent shooting. The Yotes also forced 13 turnovers and turned them into 12 points.
The College of Idaho continues tournament play tomorrow, hosting Arizona Christian University at 7 p.m. inside Elgin Baylor Arena.
