The National Park College Nighthawk men’s basketball team notched its fifth win of the season Monday, edging East Texas Baptist University’s development team, 90-80.
After allowing the opening basket to the Tigers, the Nighthawks (5-0) erupted for 16 unanswered points—building a lead as large as 21 in the game’s first five minutes. Led by an eight-point effort from freshman David Jagers (Mayflower), National Park College flexed its depth early, adding points from 12 different Nighthawks in the first half, capped by a three-point buzzer beater from sophomore Braylon Steen (Bryant) to lead, 50-36, at the break.
In the second half, an 11-2 opening run by the Tigers shrunk the Nighthawks’ lead to just five points. Freshman Desmond McDonald (Hope) came in off the bench to re-ignite the defense, which helped grow the lead to more than 20 points on two separate occasions. East Texas Baptist University capitalized on Nighthawks fouls to make a late push but fell short in its comeback attempt.
Steen and sophomore Logan Willett (Faith Prep Academy) added 12 points apiece in the win, with sophomore Seth Duke (Gravette) and Jagers scoring 11 and 10 points, respectively.
National Park College returns to “The Kettle” Thursday as the Nighthawks play host to Williams Baptist College. XZero Sports will stream the game live at www.xzerosports.com, beginning at 7:30 p.m.
The Nighthawk women return to action Saturday, December 8 at Rhema Bible College in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma.
For more information on schedules, rosters and more, visit www.np.edu/basketball. Fans can also follow the Nighthawks all season on social media.
Facebook: Nighthawk Athletics
Twitter: @NPC_Nighthawks
Instagram: nighthawkathletics
Snapchat: npnighthawks
