SALEM, Ore. — The College of Idaho entered the Cascade Collegiate Conference Quarterfinal presented by US Bank with confidence after sweeping Oregon Tech in the regular season, but Friday night's elimination game told a different story. The Hustlin' Owls shot with remarkable efficiency and used well-timed runs to hand the Yotes a 71-57 defeat at the C.E. Jeffers Sports Center. With the loss, The College of Idaho now turns its attention to the NAIA Championship Tournament selection show on March 5 at 6 p.m. MT. Watch here
From the opening tip, the game carried the intensity expected of postseason play. Oregon Tech came out firing and built an early lead behind sharp perimeter shooting and quick ball movement. The Yotes battled to stay within reach, getting strong inside finishes from Maiya Hardy and steady rebounding from Kylie Waltermeyer, but the Hustlin' Owls maintained their hot hand and took a 39-28 advantage into the break.
The College of Idaho delivered its best surge in the third quarter. Waltermeyer ignited the comeback effort, scoring repeatedly at the rim and energizing the Yotes as the deficit shrank. Brooke Beresford added key baskets in the paint, and the Yotes matched Oregon Tech shot for shot while producing their highest-scoring quarter of the night. For a moment, momentum shifted and the Yotes appeared poised to overtake the Owls.
But Oregon Tech had the answer. As the fourth quarter wore on, the Owls continued to convert high-percentage looks and controlled the boards during critical possessions. Their efficiency ultimately proved too much to overcome in the final minutes. Despite forcing turnovers and gaining extra possessions, the Yotes could not close the gap.
Waltermeyer led The College of Idaho with her double-double performance with 19 points and 10 rebounds, delivering a commanding performance on both ends. Hardy scored 10 points, while Taryn Riley and Beresford each added eight. The Yotes fought until the end but could not match Oregon Tech's offensive consistency.
The College of Idaho will now wait to learn its postseason path. The NAIA Championship Tournament selection show takes place March 5 at 6 p.m. MT, where the Yotes expect to remain firmly in the conversation for a national berth.
