CALDWELL, Idaho - Northwest Nazarene men's basketball came out strong to begin the first round of the 2023 United Heritage Mayors' Cup with a 10-point halftime lead, but the host NAIA No. 1 College of Idaho responded with a big second half to defeat the Nighthawks 72-57.
 
The game was an exhibition for NNU, so it will not count towards season stats or the overall record.
 
The Nighthawks will have a chance to avenge the loss in the second round of the Mayors' Cup in just under a month when the two teams will battle in Nampa on Dec. 6.
 
After College of Idaho scored the first four points of the game, NNU answered with an 11-0 run capped by a turnaround hook from Gabriel Murphy. With 5:15 to play in the opening half, NNU's lead grew to 12 on another Murphy basket that made it 30-18.
 
The Nighthawks would go into halftime up 40-30 after a made free throw by Tru Allen in the final moments.
 
College of Idaho opened the second half on an 8-0 run that developed into a 21-6 stretch for the top team in the NAIA, and the Yotes rode that momentum to the 15-point win.
 
Gabe Murphy led the Nighthawks with 22 points and nine rebounds, going 8-12 from the field and 6-7 from the free throw line. Ryzin Bergersen was next with 16 points and five boards, with nine of the 16 points coming from beyond the arc.
 
NNU will now look towards their season opener in just two days, hosting Walla Walla University on Saturday, Nov. 11 at 7:30 p.m. in the Johnson Sports Center.
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