The National Park College Nighthawk women’s and men’s basketball teams suffered tough losses over the weekend, falling to North Arkansas College, 75-66, and 109-94, respectively.
In the third meeting this season between the Lady Pioneers and the Nighthawk women, National Park College (3-6) appeared much improved, taking an 18-12 first quarter lead behind a six-point effort from sophomore Faith Bratton (Jessieville). In the second quarter, the Lady Pioneers utilized big three-pointers to pull back into the fight, taking a 34-33 halftime lead on a halftime buzzer-beater layup.
A third-quarter defensive struggle led to a one-point Nighthawk deficit entering the fourth quarter. However, an eight-point fourth-quarter effort from sophomore Bailey Womack (Fountain Lake) wasn’t enough to seal the win over the nationally-ranked Lady Pioneers.
Womack led the Nighthawks in scoring with 17 points. Sophomore Hailee Crosby (Mountain Pine) added 16 points in the loss.
In the nightcap, the Nighthawk men (9-1) struggled early against their first conference opponent of the season, trailing by as many as 18 points in the game’s first 10 minutes, powered by hot three-point shooting from the Pioneers.
Trailing, 65-42, at the break, the Nighthawks rallied behind a 14-point second-half surge from sophomore Seth Duke (Gravette), but ultimately could not overcome the deficit to keep their undefeated season alive.
Duke led the Nighthawks in scoring with 17 points. Sophomores KJ Corder (Hot Springs) and Braylon Steen (Bryant) added 16 and 12 points, respectively, while freshman Patrick Greene (Little Rock Mills) finished with 12 points in the loss.
The Nighthawk men and women return to action Monday, January 14 at “The Kettle” at National Park College in Hot Springs. The Nighthawk women play host to Arkansas Baptist College at 5 p.m. with the men tipping off at 7 p.m. against the Buffaloes. XZero Sports will stream the games live at www.xzerosports.com.
For more information on schedules, rosters and more, visit www.np.edu/basketball. Visit NJCAA Division II team stats for up-to-date NJCAA statistics on the Nighthawks. Fans can also follow the Nighthawks all season on social media.
Facebook: Nighthawk Athletics
Twitter: @NPC_Nighthawks
Instagram: nighthawkathletics
Snapchat: npnighthawks
