CALDWELL, Idaho — College of Idaho came up just short in a back-and-forth thriller Friday night, falling 75-74 to Rocky Mountain in the Yotes' home opener at the JAAC.
The game, played in front of 1,402 fans celebrating "Jae Boots Night" and the Jae Foundation's mission to raise mental health awareness, featured 14 ties and 18 lead changes. The crowd, clad in "BTHO Suicide" shirts and cowboy boots, roared as the Yotes erased a late deficit and briefly led in the final minute.
Junior guard Dougie Peoples calmly sank two free throws with 32 seconds left to give College of Idaho a 74-73 edge, but Rocky's Omari Nesbit answered with a jumper on the next possession for the decisive basket. The Yotes had two chances in the closing seconds, but a layup and a jumper rimmed out.
College of Idaho (1-2) showcased balance and grit, shooting 40.8% from the field and dominating the paint with 30 points inside. Alex Germer led the way with 15 points and five rebounds, while Peoples added 12 points, going 10 of 14 from the line. Rey Johnston chipped in 14 points, including three 3-pointers, and Tucker Tiddens provided a spark off the bench with 10 points and seven boards.
The Yotes outscored Rocky Mountain 38-34 in the second half and held the Battlin' Bears to 37.1% shooting overall, but Rocky's perimeter game proved pivotal. Nesbit scored 16 points and hit four 3-pointers, and Kyle Jones poured in a game-high 18 points, including five in the final five minutes.
College of Idaho converted 29 of 41 free throws and forced 15 turnovers, turning them into 20 points, but Rocky Mountain (2-0) countered with 11 3-pointers and an 81.8% mark at the stripe.
The Yotes return to action next week looking to build on a performance that showcased depth and resilience in front of a spirited home crowd.
