Jason Walker, University of Providence Sports Information  

CALDWELL, Idaho – The University of Great Falls battled, but just fell short in an 86-80 loss Friday night at No. 4 College of Idaho at the Taco Bell Shootout.  

The Argos jumped out to a 15-9 lead only to see the Yotes go on an 11-0 run midway through the first half to take a five-point lead. COI would build as much as a seven-point lead before a Sam Vining three-pointer just before half cut the Argo deficit to one at the half.  

College of Idaho would build a nine-point lead less than two minutes into the second half, but Providence chipped away, taking a 56-55 lead at the 10-minute mark on two free throws from reigning Erck Hotels/Frontier Conference Player of the Week Kenny Curtis. The Yotes took the lead back at 63-61 after an old-fashioned three-point play by Straton Rogers with seven minutes remaining and COI held on for the victory.  

"What can I say?" said Providence Head Coach Steve Keller. We went toe-to-toe with one of the best teams in the country. We hate to lose, but we played our hearts out. I am really proud of our effort.  

Eric Milner paced the Argos with a career-high 23 points on 10-16 shooting before fouling out. Jake Olsen added 17 points, six rebounds and two blocks. Kenny Curtis chipped in with 15 points and six assists while Drayton Caoile (13) and Sam Vining (12) also hit double figures for UP which falls to 5-2 overall.  

The Argos finished 49.1% from the field and went 11-23 from the three-point line. Vining made four triples, while Caoile and Curtis each hit three.  

Charles Elzie led four Yotes in double digits with 20. Jake O'Neill had a double-double of 11 points and 11 rebounds.  

Providence will face 2-3 Eastern Oregon Saturday in Caldwell. The Mountaineers dropped an 81-68 game to Madonna (Mich.) Friday at the shootout. Watch the game live at www.upargos.com beginning at 3 PM.