CALDWELL, Idaho – The J.A. Albertson Activities Center was electric on Friday night as the No. 1-ranked College of Idaho men's basketball team delivered a commanding 59-46 victory over UC Merced in the NAIA First Round. With the win, the Yotes punched their ticket to the Second Round and gave head coach Colby Blaine a historic milestone – his 200th career victory in just seven seasons. Blaine has maintained an incredible standard, leading College of Idaho to at least 30 wins in every full season under his leadership.
The Yotes (30-2) wasted no time imposing their will on the defensive end, holding UC Merced to just 20 percent shooting in the first half. Despite a slow offensive start, College of Idaho built a 24-19 halftime lead, fueled by relentless defensive pressure and key buckets from Samaje Morgan and Drew Wyman.
Coming out of the break, the Yotes turned up the intensity. A three-pointer from Johnny Radford and a layup by Morgan sparked a quick 7-0 run, pushing the lead into double digits. UC Merced (20-7) battled to stay within reach, but the Yotes' suffocating defense forced 12 turnovers and limited the Bobcats to just 27.9 percent shooting for the game. Every time UC Merced attempted to cut into the deficit, the Yotes responded with timely baskets and crucial defensive stops.
Morgan finished with 13 points and four assists, orchestrating the offense with poise. Radford added 10 points, including a pair of three-pointers that ignited the crowd. Straton Rogers was a force on the glass, collecting seven rebounds while contributing eight points. The Yotes' depth was on display, as contributions from Caden Handran and Dougie Peoples off the bench helped maintain momentum.
The defining moment came midway through the second half when College of Idaho's defense turned back-to-back steals into transition points, pushing the lead to 23—their largest of the night. The crowd erupted as Tyler Robinett swatted a shot into the wall, capping off a dominant defensive sequence that left UC Merced struggling for answers.
Cameron Brown led the Bobcats with 12 points and eight rebounds, but UC Merced's offense was stifled throughout the night. The Yotes held them to just five free-throw attempts and out-rebounded them 41-39, preventing second-chance opportunities.
With the victory, College of Idaho moves on to the NAIA Second Round, where they will continue their quest for a national championship. The Yotes will face Friends University (Kan.) on Saturday at home, looking to extend their postseason run and add another chapter to what has already been a historic season.
