Preview: Northwest Eagles at College of Idaho Coyotes

CALDWELL, Idaho (Interstat) — The College of Idaho Coyotes look to solidify their standing near the top of the conference when they host the Northwest Eagles in an NAIA men’s basketball matchup Friday night at the J.A. Albertson Activities Center.

The Coyotes (14-7) enter with a clear advantage in record and momentum, having won five of their last six games. Their most recent outing was an 87-71 road victory at Warner Pacific on Jan. 31, powered by 19 points and six rebounds from forward Rey Johnston. Johnston has been a consistent force, averaging 15.4 points and 7.4 rebounds over his last seven contests, including a 28-point, 10-rebound double-double against Bushnell on Jan. 16.

Northwest (7-11) seeks to build on a narrow 83-80 home win over Corban last Saturday. The Eagles have shown recent flashes, winning three of their last five, but consistency has been an issue. Guard Trent Williams, who scored 15 points in the win over Corban, is a key barometer. In the Eagles’ four wins since Jan. 9, Williams averaged 11.5 points; in three losses, he averaged just 4.7 points.

History adds a layer of intrigue to this rematch. Just over six weeks ago, on Dec. 20, these teams played a tight game in Kirkland, Washington, with College of Idaho escaping with a 73-70 victory. The Eagles will aim for payback on the Coyotes’ home floor, where College of Idaho is 8-2 this season.

For Northwest, containing Johnston and point guard Utrillo Morris, who dished nine assists last Saturday, will be critical. The Eagles will need Williams and backcourt mate Christian Watkins, who had 18 points and eight assists against Corban, to generate efficient offense against a stout Coyotes defense.

Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. PST Friday. College of Idaho hosts Evergreen (WA) on Saturday, while Northwest travels to face Eastern Oregon.