The National Park College (NPC) Nighthawk men’s and women’s basketball teams dropped heartbreaking NJCAA Division II Region II conference losses to Southern Arkansas University Tech (SAU Tech) Saturday, with the Nighthawk women dropping a 68-67 decision and the Nighthawk men losing 74-70.
In women’s action, NPC flourished from three-point range throughout the first half, allowing the Nighthawks to keep pace with the Lady Rockets early. After falling behind, 17-10, by the end of the first quarter, the Nighthawks surged in the second quarter, outscoring SAU Tech, 21-9, in the frame. Fueled by three treys from sophomore Jaide Vavra (Centerpoint) and seven points in the quarter from sophomore Imani Honey (Hot Springs), NPC grabbed a 31-26 lead heading into halftime.
In the second half, SAU Tech turned the tables, outscoring the Nighthawks, 21-12, to take a 47-43 lead into the fourth quarter. Over the final 10 minutes, the Nighthawks rallied behind eight points from freshman India Atkins (Bryant) and six points from Honey, but could not complete the comeback as time expired.
Honey led the Nighthawks in scoring with 20 points, while Atkins and Vavra added 15 and 14 points, respectively, in the loss.
In search of its first win over SAU Tech in school history, the Nighthawk men went toe-to-toe with the Rockets in a defensive first half. Led by sophomores Joe Ramey (El Dorado) and Sayvon Traylor (Conyers, GA), the Nighthawks took advantage of SAU Tech foul trouble to claw within two points, 26-24, at halftime.
In the second half, each team turned up its offensive production. Despite losing the rebounding and turnover battle over the final 20 minutes, the Nighthawks continued to find offensive production behind Ramey, Traylor and freshman JoQuarius Valrie (Houston, TX) to keep things close. Late in the game, the Rockets defense proved to be just enough to hold NPC at bay, delivering the Nighthawks’ fourth conference loss of the year.
Ramey led the Nighthawks in scoring with 21 points, while Traylor and Valrie finished with 17 and 12 points, respectively, in the loss.
The Nighthawk men and women celebrate sophomore night with a home series against South Arkansas Community College Thursday, Mar. 25, with the women tipping off at 5 p.m. and the men following at 7 p.m.
For more information on schedules, rosters and more, visit np.edu/basketball. Visit Nighthawk Men stats and Nighthawk Women stats for up-to-date NJCAA statistics on the Nighthawks this season. Fans can also follow the Nighthawks on social media.
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