CALDWELL, Idaho - The College of Idaho men's basketball team dropped its regular season finale to Southern Oregon, 73-67, Saturday evening inside the J.A. Albertson Activities Center.
The Yotes (19-9, 14-6 CCC) carried a 32-30 lead into the halftime break and remained within striking distance deep into the second half before Southern Oregon shot 54.5 percent from the field over the final 20 minutes to pull ahead late.
Sophomore Utrillo Morris led the C of I offense with 19 points to go along with six assists and three steals, while Rey Johnston added 17 points on 6-of-9 shooting with three makes from beyond the arc. Tucker Tiddens provided a lift off the bench with 13 points on a perfect 5-of-5 night from the floor as the Yotes finished with 40 bench points.
Prior to tip, Alex Germer was honored as part of the program's Senior Night festivities and contributed eight points in the contest.
In recognition of Senior Night, fellow seniors Ethan Tinney, Isaac Mercer and CJ Mann each made their first career starts alongside Germer.
Southern Oregon used a mid-second half surge to turn a narrow deficit into a multi-possession lead, answering a Morris three-pointer with 9:55 remaining with timely perimeter shooting and free throw efficiency down the stretch.
Gio Evanson led all scorers with 29 points for the Raiders on 9-of-14 shooting, including five three-pointers, while Joe Juhala added nine points, nine rebounds and four blocks. Jace Anderson chipped in 10 points and nine boards in the win.
The Yotes now turn their attention toward Cascade Conference Tournament play in the coming week.
