Utah State-Eastern snaps 18-year skid with 76-71 win at NIC

Utah State-Eastern, ranked No. 23, knocked off North Idaho College 76-71 at Rolly Williams Court on Jan. 16, pulling away in the final seconds to secure its first win at NIC in 18 years. The victory came in Scenic West Athletic Conference play and leaves NIC reeling from a late collapse and the impending absence of its head coach.

Freshman Ace Arnold gave NIC a late spark, converting three free throws with 54 seconds remaining to trim the deficit to 69-66. But a pivotal sequence unfolded when NIC coach Corey Symons was assessed a technical foul after arguing a goaltending call with 29 seconds left. Utah State-Eastern’s Adam Grissom sank both technical free throws to stretch the lead to 73-66. NIC missed two 3-point attempts in the final 20 seconds and could not complete the comeback.

“Our guys played hard and really well,” said Symons. “It was tough to get into a rhythm tonight. I was sticking up for my guys and couldn’t let them go out like that.” Symons received two technical fouls during the game and will serve a one-game suspension for Saturday’s matchup against visiting Snow, meaning NIC will be without its head coach for the next conference contest.

The result underscores both the strength of Utah State-Eastern’s late-game execution and NIC’s ongoing challenges closing tight contests. Utah State-Eastern’s ability to draw a final margin out of defensive pressure and capitalize on technical free throws was decisive. For NIC, missed perimeter attempts and timing of fouls negated a comeback sparked by a freshman guard.

Locally, the loss has immediate competitive and community implications. NIC fans and the student section at Rolly Williams Court will face a Saturday game with elevated stakes as the team adjusts to the absence of Symons on the bench. Home games at NIC generate activity for nearby businesses and the student experience, so game-day outcomes affect more than standings. A one-game suspension for a head coach also raises questions about in-game communication and discipline that the program will need to address quickly.

Looking ahead, NIC must steady late-game execution and manage technicals to protect home-court advantage. For Kootenai County supporters, Saturday’s visit by Snow will be a test of depth and leadership on the floor, and a measure of whether NIC can rebound in conference play without its head coach present.