The National Park College (NPC) Nighthawks men’s basketball team (3-0) remained undefeated after picking up two wins in the Greyhound Tipoff Classic, hosted by Arkansas State University-Mid South, with the Nighthawks defeating Northwest Mississippi Community College, 92-79, Friday and Parkland College, 75-71, Saturday.
In Friday’s action, NPC enjoyed a hot start early, slicing through the Rangers’ defense in the paint to set the team’s offensive tempo. Led by a 14-point first-half effort from sophomore guard Justin Davis (Waterbury, CT), as well as 10 points apiece from sophomore forward Quinntez Grimes (Mesquite, TX) and freshman guard Patrick Punch (Houston, TX), NPC took a 47-29 lead after 20 minutes. Davis set the pace in the second half with eight points, as NPC sank nine-of-11 free throws while knocking down seven second-half treys to cruise past the Rangers to victory.
Davis led the Nighthawks in scoring with 22 points, while Punch added 16 points. Grimes and White scored 12 and 10 points, respectively, in the win.
NPC found itself in the driver’s seat early, fueled by four first-quarter three-pointers from sophomore Jhyla Calvin (Morrilton). In the second quarter, sophomores India Atkins (Bryant) and Amaya Coakley (Killeen, TX) set the pace with six points apiece en route to a 42-37 halftime lead.
Saturday, NPC found itself in a heated first-half battle with the Cobras. Led by 10 points from sophomore guard Miguel Miranda (Tampa, FL) and eight points apiece from Grimes and White, NPC spread the ball out, offensively, while capitalizing on free throw opportunities to force a 39-39 deadlock at halftime.
Free throws were critical to NPC’s game plan in the second half, with the Nighthawks knocking down 19-of-23 opportunities. Behind a 13-point second-half effort from White, including a perfect six-of-six from the free throw line, NPC fought to the finish in a close game to secure its third win of the season.
White led the Nighthawks in scoring with 21 points, while Miranda, Grimes and sophomore guard Ty-Shon Pannell (Long Island, NY) added 16, 14 and 10 points, respectively, in the win.
The Nighthawk men play host to Crowley’s Ridge College’s junior varsity team in “The Kettle” at National Park College tonight at 7 p.m. The game will be streamed live on The Nighthawk Network. The Nighthawk women return to action Tuesday, Nov. 8 at home against Murray State at 5:30 p.m.
For more information on schedules, rosters and more, visit Nighthawk men’s basketball and Nighthawk women’s basketball online. Fans can also follow the Nighthawks all season on social media.
Facebook: Nighthawk Athletics
Twitter: @NPC_Nighthawks
Instagram: nighthawkathletics
Snapchat: npnighthawks
