North Idaho defeated CBC in low scoring game 70-61 on Wednesday. Tyler Kurtz scored 17 points for CBC as Jase Edwards scored 11 of his own in the losing effort. 

For the first time since MLK day, CBC had its complete roster at full strength. The Hawks had spent the last month trading lineups back and forth as players dipped in an out of eligibility. Coach Anthony Owens' bunch is now poised to build back up the foundation they created earlier this year. North Idaho came out with back to back 3's to take a 6-0 lead but Edwards and Kurtz were able to get the Hawks immediately back ahead with 15 minutes to go. 

As the half wore on, the Hawks were able to hit some big 3's as they looked a little rusty but still very much competitive with the 5-1 Cardinals. Basin made 9 from deep in the half but a few uncharacteristic turnovers helped NIC take a 39-35 lead into the half. 

The other end of the court was not as kind to CBC on offense outside of halftime. CBC was able to do their job on defense holding NIC to just 30 points in the half but were only able to muster 26 of their own. The low score was not indicative of their offense as they found good shots from good shooters that just seemed to go in and out. NIC was able to penetrate the defense in the just right spots to stave off any run attempts by the Hawks.

A few open looks in the final minute could not find net as the time ticked off the clock leaving CBC short of the home win. The loss drops the Hawks to 4-4 but still very much in the playoff hunt as NIC is ineligible to participate in the post season stemming from an investigation in 2018. The Hawks will begin a 4-game road trip in Yakima on Saturday in a rematch of their earlier win against the Yaks.