The National Park College (NPC) Nighthawk men’s and women’s basketball teams concluded
their seasons with first-round losses in the NJCAA Region II tournament, with the
Nighthawk women falling to University of Arkansas Cossatot, 62-55, on Friday and the
Nighthawk men dropping to North Arkansas College, 86-82, on Saturday. 
In women’s action, NPC fell behind early struggling to make shots in the paint while
faltering, defensively, from beyond the arc. Trailing, 20-10, after 10 minutes, the
Nighthawks attempted to chip away at the deficit behind a five-point second-quarter
effort from freshman India Atkins (Bryant). However, the Lady Colts continued to thrive
from three-point range and the free throw line to build a 33-20 halftime lead.
In the second half, the Lady Colts appeared to pull away, leading by as many as 20
points, 51-31, with 2:26 remaining in the third quarter. With four third-quarter three
pointers, including two from Atkins, NPC cut the deficit to 17 points, 55-38, entering
the final frame. In the fourth quarter, the Nighthawk women erupted to a 8-0 start,
bringing the game within nine points. With one minute remaining, NPC added a layup
to bring the game within seven points, 62-55, but could not complete the comeback,
ending the team’s season.
Atkins led the Nighthawks in scoring with 18 points in the loss.
On Saturday, the Nighthawk men went toe-to-toe with North Arkansas College for the
majority of the first half, fueled by fearless drives in the paint and consistent free throw shooting. Led by a 13-point half from
freshman JoQuarius Valrie (Houston, TX), including six-of-six free throw shooting,
10 points from freshman Kylil Anderson (Fort Worth, TX) and great defense from freshman
Garrett Powell (Springboro, OH), the Nighthawks held the Pioneers to just one three-pointer
in the first 20 minutes, taking a 42-38 lead at halftime.
Over the final 20 minutes, NPC stuck to the same game plan, capitalizing on North
Arkansas College foul trouble to shoot 16-of-18 from the free throw line while sprinkling
in timely three pointers and field goals to keep pace with the Pioneers. Led by 12
points from sophomore Sayvon Traylor (Conyers, GA), NPC matched North Arkansas College
down to the wire. Trailing, 84-82, with 0.6 seconds remaining, the Pioneers hit two
free throws to ice the game and end NPC’s season.
Valrie led the Nighthawks in scoring with 19 points. Traylor and Anderson finished
with 15 and 12 points, respectively, while Powell added 11 points in the loss.
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.
Facebook: Nighthawk Athletics
Twitter: @NPC_Nighthawks
Instagram: nighthawkathletics
Snapchat: npnighthawks
