NAMPA, Idaho - One of Idaho's oldest collegiate rivalries returns to the Johnson Sports Center on Tuesday as Northwest Nazarene men's basketball hosts College of Idaho in the first meeting of the 2026 United Heritage Mayors' Cup. Tipoff between the Nighthawks and Yotes is scheduled for 7 PM, with the matchup also being broadcast on KTVB.
The contest marks another chapter in the longstanding rivalry between the two programs, which will meet again on Nov. 17 in Caldwell.
The Nighthawks
Northwest Nazarene enters Tuesday following an 85-54 exhibition victory over Walla Walla on Saturday during Homecoming weekend. The Nighthawks controlled the contest from start to finish, building a 41-21 halftime advantage before pulling away for the 31-point victory.
Nick Corbett led NNU with a double-double of 19 points and 11 rebounds while shooting 6-of-8 from the field. Jayden Smoot added 16 points, while Reece Dent contributed 10 points and six rebounds off the bench. Andrew King finished with seven points, six rebounds, and a team-high five assists.
The Nighthawks dominated the paint, outscoring Walla Walla 52-14 while holding a 48-26 rebounding advantage. NNU also forced 22 turnovers, converting them into 25 points, and received 36 points from its bench.
Northwest Nazarene enters the 2026-27 campaign following back-to-back NCAA West Regional appearances. The Nighthawks finished last season with an 18-11 overall record and a 12-6 mark in GNAC play, tying for second in the conference standings.
NNU was picked third in the GNAC Preseason Coaches Poll, receiving three first-place votes and 80 points. Saint Martin's was selected first with 88 points, followed by Central Washington with 84.
Head coach Jon Hawkins enters his third season leading the Nighthawks after guiding NNU to consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances.
The Yotes
College of Idaho enters Tuesday with a 3-1 record after winning three consecutive games. The Yotes opened their season with an 83-71 loss to Montana Tech before earning a 59-39 victory over Montana Western. College of Idaho then returned home for the Taco Bell Shootout, defeating Providence 85-61 on Friday and Carroll College 66-50 on Saturday.
The Yotes were selected first in the Cascade Collegiate Conference Preseason Coaches Poll, receiving 111 points and three first-place votes. College of Idaho finished the 2025-26 season with a 21-11 overall record and advanced to the NAIA National Tournament after placing fifth in the CCC standings.
College of Idaho returns 10 letterwinners from last season, including senior guard Dougie Peoples, sophomore forward Rey Johnston, and junior point guard Utrillo Morris.
Peoples led the Yotes in scoring last season, averaging 14.6 points per game while shooting 45 percent from three-point range. Johnston earned CCC Freshman of the Year honors after averaging 12.8 points and a team-high 5.4 rebounds per contest while recording 24 blocks.
Morris earned First Team All-CCC honors after leading the conference in assists last season. He enters the year with more than 500 career points, 255 assists, and 84 steals.
Johnston has already made an impact this season, scoring 24 points and connecting on eight three-pointers in College of Idaho's victory over Providence on Friday. Peoples added 12 points in the win, while Tucker Tiddens contributed 11.
Head coach Colby Blaine enters his ninth season leading the Yotes after compiling a 227-40 record through his first eight seasons.
All-time vs College of Idaho
The rivalry between Northwest Nazarene and College of Idaho dates back to the 1933-34 season, making it the oldest collegiate basketball rivalry in the state of Idaho.
College of Idaho holds the historical advantage in the series, while the Nighthawks have enjoyed greater success on their home court.
The two teams split last season's meetings, with College of Idaho earning a 75-64 victory in Caldwell on Nov. 12 before NNU responded with a 91-74 win in Nampa on Nov. 18.
In the most recent meeting, Northwest Nazarene erupted for 57 second-half points to pull away from the Yotes and secure the 17-point victory.
The Nighthawks have won two of the last three meetings played in Nampa, including a 69-66 overtime victory in 2024.
United Heritage Mayors' Cup
Tuesday's matchup marks the first leg of the 2026 United Heritage Mayors' Cup, an annual rivalry series between Northwest Nazarene and College of Idaho.
The series brings together the neighboring communities of Nampa and Caldwell, with the two programs competing for local bragging rights in one of the region's longest-running basketball traditions.
The matchup will also be broadcast on KTVB, bringing the rivalry to a television audience throughout the Treasure Valley.
The Nighthawks will host Tuesday's contest before traveling to Caldwell for the second meeting on Nov. 17 at the J.A. Albertson Activities Center.
Looking Ahead
Following Tuesday's matchup, Northwest Nazarene will travel to San Francisco for its first two regular-season games. The Nighthawks will face Fresno Pacific on Friday, Nov. 13, at 3 PM PT before taking on host San Francisco State on Saturday, Nov. 14, at 4:15 PM PT.
NNU will return home on Nov. 20-21 to host Cal Poly Humboldt and Adams State in the NNU Tournament.
