Nighthawk Men Improve To 5-0
The National Park College (NPC) Nighthawk men’s basketball team (5-0) continued its hot streak to start the season, sweeping the Kansas State Kansas Community College Hall of Fame Classic with a 102-83 win over North Central Missouri College Friday and a 83-75 victory over Metropolitan Community College Saturday.
Against North Central Missouri College, NPC thrived, riding a 30-point double-double (14 rebounds) from sophomore forward Nakavieon White (Odessa, Texas) and dominating defense to victory.
Behind White and sophomore guards Ja’Bryant Hill (Dallas, Texas) and Keryn Collins (Dallas, Texas), NPC built a double-digit lead in the first half behind hot three-point shooting and never looked back.
Leading, 47-35, at halftime, the Nighthawks kept their foot on the gas through the second half, cruising to the 102-83 victory. NPC amassed 12 total blocks throughout the contest, tying the single-game team blocks record previously set February 8, 2019 at Williams Baptist University.
White led the Nighthawks in scoring with 30 points. Hill added 24 points, while Collins and sophomore guard Siddiq Canty (Dallas, Texas) added 15 and 14 points, respectively, in the win.
Saturday’s action was a tale of two halves, with NPC rallying from behind in the second half against the Wolves to remain undefeated. Cold shooting from beyond the arc put the Nighthawks in catch-up mode, falling behind, 39-33, at the end of the first half.
Hill and sophomore guard Patrick Punch (Houston, Texas) paced the Nighthawks in their second-half rally, notching multiple buckets in the paint. With seven total steals in the game, Collins set the single-game steals record for NPC, opening the door for the comeback. Down the stretch, Collins provided crucial free throws to turn the tide in victory.
Hill led the Nighthawks in scoring with 24 points. Collins and Punch tallied 20 points apiece in the win.
The Nighthawk men celebrate “Lakers Night” at home against Central Baptist College Tuesday at 7 p.m. NPC will wear classic green and gold uniforms and don the Lakers moniker in honor of its previous team identity, the Garland County Community College Lakers. The game will be streamed live on the Nighthawk Network.
The Nighthawk women play host to Champion Christian College’s junior varsity team in the Kettle Monday 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.
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