CALDWELL, Idaho — The College of Idaho lit up the scoreboard Tuesday night, racing past Warner Pacific 85-63 in Cascade Collegiate Conference play at the J.A. Albertson Activities Center. The Yotes improved to 10-4 overall and 4-2 in league action with a near-flawless offensive performance, shooting 55.4 percent from the field and knocking down eight three-pointers.
The night belonged to Mia Austin, whose first three-pointer of the game was more than just a bucket. It marked her 1,000th career point, igniting the crowd and forcing Warner Pacific to call a timeout as the stadium erupted to celebrate her career milestone. Austin finished a perfect 5-for-5 from the floor, including 4-for-4 from deep, for 14 points in just 13 minutes.
Balanced scoring defined the Yotes' attack. Maiya Hardy powered the paint with 12 points and seven rebounds, while Brooke Beresford added 10 points and six boards. Taryn Riley and Anna Mooney chipped in eight apiece, and Lainee Houillon provided a spark off the bench with nine points. In total, C of I's reserves combined for 41 points, underscoring the team's depth.
Warner Pacific, now 6-6 and 2-3 in the CCC, showed fight behind Shielteal Watah, who scored 12 points and knocked down two triples in the fourth quarter, and KJ Custer, who added 11 points on efficient shooting. The Knights hit 31.6 percent from beyond the arc and closed strong with a 25-point fourth quarter, but the early deficit proved insurmountable.
The Yotes dominated inside with 44 points in the paint and controlled the glass with a 38-33 rebound advantage. C of I's largest lead ballooned to 32 points late in the third quarter, sealing the outcome well before the final horn.
The College of Idaho returns to action January 9, traveling to Southern Oregon for a Cascade Conference showdown. Tipoff is set for 6:30 p.m. MT.
