ORANGE CITY, Iowa – The College of Idaho survived a late push from William Penn to open the NAIA Men's Basketball National Tournament with a 76-72 victory Friday night at the Bultman Center, advancing to Saturday's second-round matchup against host Northwestern.
The Yotes (21-10) led by as many as 17 points in the second half before the Statesmen rallied in the final minutes, briefly taking a 72-71 lead with 48 seconds remaining. College of Idaho responded at the free-throw line, where Dougie Peoples, Conner Sheets, and David Kludt combined for five points in the closing seconds to secure the win.
Tucker Tiddens led the Yotes with 19 points and seven rebounds off the bench, helping spark a College of Idaho second unit that accounted for 40 of the team's 76 points. Conner Sheets added 15 points, including a perfect 7-for-7 performance at the free-throw line, while CCC Freshman of the Year Rey Johnston finished with 14 points and three blocks. Utrillo Morris chipped in 13 points and four assists.
College of Idaho controlled the opening half, shooting 50 percent from the field and taking a 41-29 lead into the break. The Yotes extended the advantage to 54-37 midway through the second half before William Penn mounted a comeback behind Malik Larane and Foday Sheriff.
Larane finished with a game-high 19 points for the Statesmen (25-7), while Sheriff added 16 points and 12 rebounds.
Despite being outrebounded 44-37, the Yotes limited turnovers to just eight and converted 23-of-32 free throws, including several key makes down the stretch.
With the win, College of Idaho advances to face tournament host Northwestern (Iowa) in the second round Saturday night at 6 p.m. MT.
The Red Raiders (27-5) advanced with a dominant 100-63 victory over Taylor earlier Friday. Jalen Langsy led the way with 32 points on 13-of-17 shooting, including six three-pointers, while GPAC Player of the Year Jesse Van Kalsbeek added 25 points and nine rebounds.
Northwestern enters the matchup with a high-powered offense, averaging more than 94 points per game while shooting nearly 57 percent from the field. The Red Raiders also connected on 12 three-pointers in their opening-round win.
The matchup sets up a clash of styles between the defending national champion Yotes and the high-scoring hosts. College of Idaho will look to slow the tempo with its defensive versatility and balanced scoring attack, while Northwestern will attempt to maintain the fast-paced offensive rhythm.
Saturday's winner will claim the Orange City bracket and advance to the NAIA National Championship final site in Kansas City.
