CALDWELL, Idaho (Interstat) — In a frantic finish that saw multiple lead changes in the final minute, the College of Idaho Coyotes edged the Northwest Eagles 78-73 in a Cascade Collegiate Conference men’s basketball game Friday night at the J.A. Albertson Activities Center.

The game’s decisive sequence unfolded in the closing seconds. With the Coyotes leading 75-73, Northwest’s Christian Watkins scored on a layup with five seconds remaining, seemingly tying the game. However, the basket was waved off as it came after the final horn, securing the home victory for College of Idaho. The chaotic final minute was emblematic of the entire second half, where neither team could establish a decisive advantage.

The contest was a tale of two quarters. The first quarter was an offensive showcase, ending with College of Idaho holding a narrow 39-40 lead. The pace slowed considerably in the second quarter, with both defenses tightening. The Coyotes outscored the Eagles 39-33 after halftime to secure the five-point win.

Northwest’s Lucius Fox was a consistent offensive force throughout the night, finishing as the game’s leading scorer. His ability to attack the rim kept the Eagles in contention. Ethan Martin provided a crucial spark off the bench for Northwest, hitting several key three-pointers during the first-quarter shootout.

For College of Idaho, balance was key. Tucker Tiddens proved instrumental down the stretch, drawing fouls and converting at the free-throw line in the final minutes. Dougie Peoples and Conner Sheets also made critical contributions, with Sheets delivering the final basket on a layup with five seconds left that ultimately provided the winning margin.

The victory improved College of Idaho’s season record to 15 wins and 7 losses, solidifying its position in the conference standings. Northwest, which had won two of its last three games entering the night, fell to 7-12.

The game was a rematch of a December thriller, which College of Idaho also won by three points, 73-70. This latest chapter added another tight finish to the series.

College of Idaho is scheduled to host Evergreen (Washington) on Saturday. Northwest will travel to face Eastern Oregon, also on Saturday.

According to Interstat’s ELO system, College of Idaho entered the game with a 97.70 percent probability to win. The Eagles, however, challenged that projection until the final buzzer, with the game’s most important moment being the disallowed basket that preserved the Coyotes’ victory.