The National Park College (NPC) Nighthawk women’s basketball team (3-4) split the Northwest Mississippi Classic, hosted by Northwest Mississippi Community College, falling to Meridian Community College, 77-49, Thursday and defeating Northwest Mississippi Community College, 55-42, Friday.
After setting the team’s single-game scoring record Tuesday, NPC struggled to repeat its scoring success against Meridian Community College Thursday. Held to just two first-quarter field goals, the Nighthawks played from behind for most of the first half to trail, 40-21, at halftime. Despite 11 second-half points from sophomore India Atkins (Bryant), NPC could not turn the tide in the second half, being outscored, 17-16, in the third quarter and 20-12 in the fourth quarter in defeat.
Atkins led the Nighthawks in scoring with 20 points, while sophomore Amaya Coakley (Killeen, TX) added 10 points in the loss.
Paced by strong three-point shooting and stingy defense, NPC bounced back Friday against the Rangers. By taking advantage of turnovers and spreading its offense around, the Nighthawks were able to take a comfortable lead early. With six points in the second half, Atkins guided the Nighthawks to their third win of the season, breaking NPC’s single-game record for least points allowed.
Atkins led the Nighthawks in scoring with 10 points in the win.
The Nighthawk women return to action in the Lady Roughrider Classic, hosted by Crowder College in Neosho, MO. NPC will face Eastern Oklahoma State College Friday, Dec. 9 at 5 p.m. and Crowder College Saturday, Dec. 10 at 3 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
