Box Score NAMPA, Idaho – With its double-digit lead down to six, the Northwest Nazarene University men's basketball team rode out the adversity to defeat cross-county rival College of Idaho 76-70 on Tuesday.

College of Idaho used a 10-2 run to pull within 67-61 and with three starters on the bench getting a breather, the Nighthawks (2-0) got a big jumper from Sam Roth and a pair of free throws from Jayden Bezzant to push the lead back to double digits.

"We had stretches where we couldn't score, but we didn't get down on ourselves and start chirping at each other," NNU coach Paul Rush said. "They were coming back, they had a little momentum, but it wasn't like we were imploding in that.

"Our ability to play through them going on a run, and staying positive was really impressive."

The victory gives the Nighthawks round one in the United Heritage Insurance Mayors' Cup. The two teams will meet again on November 21 in Caldwell.

The Nighthawks shot lights out from beyond the arc in the first half, making 9 of 16 including four by Khalil Thompson and three by Maurice Jones.

"We can make them and we want guys to take them, but we can't let those shots keep us from attacking the basket," Rush said. "We have to do a better job maintaining the approach we want to have – not just falling in love from the 3-point line."

Jones led all scorers with 24 points and grabbed 12 rebounds, while Bezzant and Obi Megwa added 14 points each. Bezzant also grabbed eight rebounds and dished out three assists. Thompson finished with 12 points to round out the scorers in double figures for NNU.

"That's who Maurice is," Rush said of his star forward's strong play. "That is what he does night in and night out. It doesn't surprise me. We love it and need it to be successful."

Aziz Leeks had 16 points and 12 rebounds to lead the Coyotes (1-3), who had four players in double figures.

"Defensively, our effort was strong," Rush said. "We weren't as good or as disciplined as we can be with our rotations, but they were playing so hard and with so much energy it made up for the mistakes."