TWIN FALLS, Idaho (Interstat) — An early-season battle of unbeatens will crown a champion Saturday when the North Idaho Cardinal face the Southern Idaho Eagles in the men’s junior college basketball Battle for the Boot championship game.

Both teams bring perfect records into the contest. North Idaho is 2-0, while Southern Idaho holds a 3-0 mark.

The Cardinal are coming off a hard-fought 77-71 victory over Eastern Florida State on Friday. Justus Haseley led the way with 31 points and seven rebounds, while Jacori Ervin recorded a double-double with 12 points, 10 rebounds and five blocked shots. North Idaho also opened its season with a 98-94 road win at Casper.

Southern Idaho advanced to the title game by defeating Clarendon 80-71 on Friday. Nathan Ahner paced the Eagles with 21 points and eight rebounds. Ace Reiser added 19 points and five boards.

The Eagles’ defense has been a hallmark of their start, holding their first two opponents, Yavapai and Western Wyoming, to 48 and 62 points, respectively.

This matchup is the first of two scheduled meetings between the rivals this season. They are set to meet again on Jan. 3, 2026, in North Idaho.