North Idaho narrowly defeated Columbia Basin in Pasco 69-68. Teagen Hoard had 19 points off the bench for the Hawks while Latrell Barker posted a double-double with 16 points and 11 rebounds. 

Columbia Basin presented a tough match-up for the undefeated Cardinals who seemed to struggle all night despite a severe height advantage. Both teams traded blows for most of the first half with neither team leading by more than 8 points. CBC came in with a game plan and it was well executed. They were able to hold NIC to just 8-28 shooting from deep but NIC never seemed intent on taking advantage of their height. CBC held on tightly and trailed by just 5 at half.

In the second half, the Hawks were able to get to the rim and draw contact while getting into the bonus with 8 minutes left in the contest. Big shot after big shot gave fans a tremendous show that would come down to the final seconds. Arguably the biggest moment in the game happened when Hoard drove to the hoop while laying it up, the NIC defense was able to get a hand on it but goaltending was called. After a review, the call was overturned and the ball handed back to NIC. 

NIC came down and was able to score at the rim to take back a 1-point lead with 30 seconds to go. Lawson Vella took his turn getting to the rim and with a left-handed flip, sunk a big lay-in with 15 seconds to go. Outside of a timeout, NIC came down and was able to slash to the rim and score with 6 seconds to go. The Hawks elected to forego the timeout and take it up the floor. Javon Handcox drove the right side and pulled up from 15 feet but the shot missed its mark as it fell off the rim with no time left on the clock.

The heartbreaking loss drops CBC to 6-5 in conference with a showdown looming in Yakima on Saturday. The Hawks will take on the Yaks for sole possession of 4th with tipoff at 4pm.