KIRKLAND, Wash. (Interstat) — The College of Idaho Coyotes look to steady their season against the struggling Northwest Eagles in a nonconference NAIA men’s basketball matchup Saturday at Pavilion.

The Coyotes (5-4) enter having dropped three of their last four, including an 87-67 home loss to Lewis-Clark State last Saturday. The Eagles (2-4) seek to halt a three-game skid after a 98-65 defeat at Oregon Tech the same day.

College of Idaho’s offense, which has shown potency in wins like a 91-72 victory over Walla Walla, will lean on guard Utrillo Morris. The playmaker is averaging 9.5 points and 4.0 assists over his last four games, coming off a 14-point, 4-assist performance against Lewis-Clark State. He is a key facilitator for contributors like Rey Johnston (13 points, 6 rebounds in last game) and Alex Germer.

Northwest will counter inside with forward CJ Bayak, who has been a bright spot during the losing streak. He nearly posted a double-double at Oregon Tech with 13 points and 9 rebounds in just 17 minutes, following an 8-point, 8-rebound effort at Southern Oregon. Guard Christian Watkins, who scored a team-high 18 points last outing, provides backcourt scoring.

The game represents a final tune-up before holiday breaks and league play resume in January. The Coyotes’ early schedule has been a rollercoaster, featuring both a 113-point outburst and a four-game stretch where they lost three times by a combined 10 points, including an overtime defeat. The Eagles have struggled defensively, allowing an average of 89 points per game during their current losing streak.

Historically, the programs have not met in recent seasons, adding an element of unpredictability to the contest. For Northwest, protecting home court is paramount to build momentum. For College of Idaho, avoiding a sub-.500 record at the break is the immediate goal.

Tipoff is set for Saturday afternoon in Kirkland.