CALDWELL, Idaho – In front of a lively crowd of 1,400 fans at Elgin Baylor Arena, Northwest University men's basketball dropped a hard-fought Cascade Conference road contest Friday night, falling 78–73 to the College of Idaho in a back-and-forth battle that featured multiple lead changes and late-game execution by the home team.

Northwest led 40–39 at halftime and held a narrow advantage early in the second half, weathering the energy of the crowd and answering several College of Idaho scoring runs. The Eagles continued to compete on both ends as the game tightened in the final minutes.

Ethan Martin led the Eagles offensively with 18 points, knocking down four three-pointers and adding two assists. Lucius Fox followed with 16 points and a team-high nine rebounds, shooting 8-of-13 from the field. Christian Watkins rounded out the top scorers with 10 points, five rebounds, and five assists off the bench.

College of Idaho gained momentum midway through the second half behind strong interior play and timely scoring, limiting Northwest's perimeter looks after the break and capitalizing on second-chance opportunities. The Yotes were able to create separation late, closing the game at the free-throw line as the arena reached full volume down the stretch.

The Eagles shot 42.6 percent from the field and finished with 34 bench points but were outscored at the foul line as College of Idaho attempted 36 free throws on the night.

Despite the result, Northwest matched the Yotes' physicality throughout and remained within striking distance until the final possessions.

Northwest (8-15, 5-10 CCC) will continue its road trip tomorrow with a conference matchup at Eastern Oregon University in La Grande, Ore.