LAS VEGAS — The College of Southern Nevada men's basketball team wrapped up play at the Tarkanian Classic on Friday afternoon with a 101–77 loss to Howard College at the Orleans Arena.
Facing one of the nation's top junior college programs, the Coyotes (8–5) battled early and stayed within striking distance through the opening 20 minutes. CSN shot an efficient 50 percent from the field in the first half and trailed just 43–35 at the break after trading momentum with the Hawks.
Howard College (13–1) took control after halftime, using its size and depth to pull away. The Hawks shot nearly 58 percent from the floor in the second half and outscored CSN 58–42 over the final 20 minutes, building a double-digit lead midway through the period and stretching it late.
CSN was led offensively by
Drake Watanabe, who delivered a standout performance off the bench with a team-high 21 points. Watanabe connected on 7-of-9 shots from the field, including 5-of-7 from three-point range, providing a spark throughout the afternoon.
Ivoryon Cuffee followed with 17 points, while
Ryan Raad added 15 points, knocking down three three-pointers and going a perfect 4-for-4 at the free-throw line.
Gerald Patterson finished with 12 points and three rebounds, and Demarion Yap chipped in eight points.
Overall, the Coyotes shot 50 percent from the field and hit 12 three-pointers, but Howard's advantage on the boards and at the foul line proved decisive. The Hawks outrebounded CSN 49–20 and converted 20-of-25 free throws, creating second-chance opportunities and extending possessions throughout the contest.
Howard was paced by Terry Copeland's game-high 20 points, with Dace Pleasant adding 16 points on four made three-pointers. Daniel Culberson contributed 11 points and eight assists, while Harouna Sangare and Victor Yimga Moukouri combined for 23 points off the bench as the Hawks steadily built their lead.
Friday's game marked the Coyotes' second and final contest of the Tarkanian Classic, a tournament that provided CSN with valuable experience against high-level competition as the nonconference portion of the schedule winds down.
The Coyotes will now take a break for the holidays before returning to the floor on January 6 against Perazen Prep. CSN will then open ACCAC conference play on January 8 with a road matchup at Cochise College in Douglas, Arizona.
