Box Score KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The No. 1-ranked College of Idaho Yotes delivered a statement performance in the NAIA National Tournament Round of 16, overwhelming Langston 95-65 on Thursday night at Municipal Auditorium. With a relentless defensive effort and a high-flying offensive attack, the Yotes avenged last season's tournament exit at the hands of Langston in emphatic fashion.
From the outset, College of Idaho (32-2) dictated the tempo, smothering Langston defensively while shooting a scorching 63.3% from the field in the first half. The Yotes' energy was undeniable, fueled by a sea of purple in the stands, as dedicated fans made the trip to Kansas City while others cheered from afar.
Junior guard Samaje Morgan commanded the offense with 18 points, eight assists, and four steals, including a jaw-dropping alley-oop lob to Drew Wyman in the second half that ignited the crowd. Wyman, who finished with 14 points, was a force inside, cutting through defenders and finishing at the rim with ease.
Tyler Robinett was electric, going a perfect 5-for-5 from the field, including three three-pointers and a thunderous dunk in transition that sent the Yotes' bench into a frenzy. Johnny Radford and Dougie Peoples contributed key three-pointers, while Straton Rogers anchored the defense with six points, four rebounds, and three assists.
Defensively, College of Idaho was relentless, contesting every shot and diving for loose balls. Their effort forced 13 Langston turnovers, leading to 20 points on the other end. The Yotes also dominated in transition, racking up 36 fastbreak points while limiting Langston to just three made three-pointers on 18 attempts.
Langston's Mario McKinney fought to keep his team in the game, scoring a game-high 26 points, but the Yotes' depth proved too much. Twelve different College of Idaho players scored, showcasing the team's balance and firepower.
With their championship aspirations still alive, the Yotes advance to the NAIA quarterfinals on Saturday, determined to keep their momentum rolling.
