LAS VEGAS — The College of Southern Nevada Coyotes opened play at the prestigious Tarkanian Classic on Wednesday night with a hard-fought 90–81 loss to South Plains College at Bishop Gorman High School.

CSN showed resilience throughout the contest, trimming a double-digit deficit in the second half and pushing one of the nation's top junior college programs deep into the final minutes. The Coyotes moved to 8–4 on the season, while South Plains improved to 11-2.

South Plains established control early, shooting 54 percent in the first half to take a 54–43 lead into the break. CSN responded with a stronger defensive effort in the second half, outscoring the Texans 38–36 over the final 20 minutes, but was unable to complete the comeback.

Ivoryon Cuffee led all scorers for CSN with 24 points, connecting on three three-pointers while attacking the rim consistently. Ryan Raad added 16 points and was a perfect 8-for-8 at the free-throw line, while Demarion Yap finished with 14 points, five rebounds, and four assists in 39 minutes of action.

Gerald Patterson chipped in 10 points, eight rebounds, and five assists, anchoring the Coyotes inside, while Drake Watanabe provided a spark off the bench with 11 points, knocking down three three-pointers.

CSN shot 43.5 percent from the field and converted 16-of-19 free throws, but South Plains' balanced scoring and efficiency proved to be the difference. The Texans placed five players in double figures, led by Jaylen Colon and Antallah Sandlin'el, who scored 14 points apiece, while Zion Pipkin added 13 off the bench.

Despite the loss, the Coyotes showed poise and competitiveness against elite competition in their tournament opener.

CSN will continue play at the Tarkanian Classic on Friday afternoon, facing Howard College at the Orleans Arena, with tip-off scheduled for 2:15 p.m.