Southern Idaho Looks to Rebound Against Yavapai

PRESCOTT, Ariz. (Interstat) — The Southern Idaho men’s basketball team aims to bounce back from its first loss when it visits Yavapai on Friday in a junior college non-conference matchup at the Findlay Hyundai Prescott Classic.

The Golden Eagles (7-1) saw their seven-game win streak snapped in a 73-66 home loss to Odessa last Saturday. They will face a Yavapai squad (2-4) coming off an 85-70 victory over Community Christian.

Southern Idaho, which boasts a potent offense averaging over 77 points per game, is led by guard Ace Reiser. He is coming off a strong all-around performance in the loss, logging 18 points, five rebounds and five assists in 40 minutes. Over his last four games, Reiser is averaging 12.5 points, 6.3 rebounds and 4.8 assists.

The Golden Eagles previously handled Yavapai this season, winning 66-48 at home on Oct. 31.

Yavapai will counter with forward Rudolfs Svitins, who dominated in the Roughriders’ last outing. He posted 24 points and 10 rebounds in just 26 minutes against Community Christian. Guard Alex Pierce added 24 points in that win.

The Roughriders’ season has been inconsistent, with their other win an 81-79 overtime victory against New Mexico Military Institute. They have struggled defensively, allowing an average of 86 points in their four losses.

Southern Idaho’s Ben Thornbrue, who had 16 points and four blocks against Odessa, and Cooper Kesler (11 points) provide additional scoring threats. Yavapai will need a significant defensive improvement to contain the balanced Eagles attack.

Friday’s contest is the first of a two-game road trip for Southern Idaho, which plays at Central Arizona on Saturday. Yavapai hosts Colorado Northwestern on Saturday.

Tip-off is set for 7 p.m. local time.