PRICE, Utah, December 6, 2024 — The College of Southern Nevada (CSN) men's basketball team fought valiantly but ultimately fell to Colorado Northwestern Community College, 76-63, in a hard-fought matchup. The game, played at Price, Utah, showcased a competitive spirit from both sides, with Colorado Northwestern leveraging strong second-half execution to pull away.

The Coyotes started the game strong, keeping pace with the Spartans in a closely contested first half. Despite shooting 43.8% from the field and 46.2% from beyond the arc, CSN trailed 39-34 at halftime. Drake Watanabe sparked the Coyotes' offense, hitting three three-pointers en route to nine first-half points. The Coyotes also benefited from solid rebounding by Kadyn Koch and Chase Jackson, who each grabbed multiple boards to keep possessions alive.

Colorado Northwestern's Cole Johnson led their first-half charge, scoring six points early and setting the tone for what would become a dominant performance.

In the second half, the Coyotes struggled to maintain their shooting efficiency, while the Spartans capitalized on key opportunities. CSN shot 39.3% from the field and managed to hit four three-pointers, three of which came from the hot hand of Watanabe, who finished the game with a team-high 21 points, including seven triples.

However, Colorado Northwestern's balanced offense proved too much for the Coyotes. Cole Johnson finished with 19 points, consistently finding scoring opportunities both inside and outside. Jamir Todd's presence in the paint was also a factor, as he chipped in eight points and grabbed seven rebounds.

Key Performers

• Drake Watanabe (CSN): 21 points, 4 rebounds, 7-of-13 from three-point range
• LeRone Wright (CSN): 11 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 steals
• Cole Johnson (CNCC): 19 points, 2 rebounds, 2 assists, 9-of-12 shooting

CSN's defense forced 10 turnovers, but the Spartans' 48.4% shooting overall, combined with their control of the boards and timely three-point shooting, proved to be the deciding factors. The Coyotes were unable to fully capitalize on their own opportunities, with turnovers and missed free throws playing a role in their defeat.