CALDWELL, Idaho – The top-seeded College of Idaho men's basketball team survived a tough battle against Southern Oregon, securing a 70-65 victory Friday night at the J.A. Albertson Activities Center to advance to the Cascade Collegiate Conference Tournament championship game.
The Yotes (28-2) leaned on their balanced scoring attack and defensive intensity to hold off a late push from the Raiders (20-10), earning a spot in Monday's title game, set for 7 p.m. at the J.A. Albertson Activities Center.
Johnny Radford led College of Idaho with 15 points, including a pair of clutch free throws in the final seconds to seal the win. Samaje Morgan added 14 points and five assists, while Dougie Peoples provided a spark off the bench with 12 points on four three-pointers. Drew Wyman controlled the glass with eight rebounds and chipped in nine points.
Southern Oregon's Elijah Jackson poured in a game-high 20 points, hitting four three-pointers to keep the Raiders within striking distance. Mason Whittaker contributed 14 points, while Khalil Chatman recorded a double-double with nine points and 10 rebounds.
The first half was a back-and-forth affair, featuring five ties and five lead changes. The Yotes took a slim 34-33 advantage into the break, led by Radford's nine points. Early in the second half, College of Idaho extended its lead to 10 behind a 9-0 run sparked by Morgan's aggressive drives and a three-pointer from Peoples. Southern Oregon fought back, trimming the deficit to three in the final minute, but strong defense and late free throws from Radford and Tyler Robinett helped the Yotes close it out.
College of Idaho will now prepare for the CCC Tournament championship on Monday at 7 p.m., where they will host the winner of the other semifinal matchup. The Yotes will look to defend their home court and claim another conference tournament title.
