The No. 16 National Park College (NPC) Nighthawk men’s basketball team (3-1) picked up its third win of the season Monday, defeating Central Baptist College’s junior varsity team, 100-78, in The Kettle.
After the Mustangs took a 6-2 lead in the first two minutes, NPC rode the hot hand of sophomore guard Shamir Caruthers (Rochester, New York) to overcome the deficit. A Caruthers corner three-pointer put the Nighthawks up for good, 8-7, with 17:14 to play in the first half. Freshman forward Randy Emerson (Pine Bluff) padded the lead off the bench, sinking four treys in a 16-point first half effort as the Nighthawks cruised into the locker room with a 51-37 lead.
NPC outscored the Mustangs, 49-41, throughout the second half to achieve victory. Sophomore center Daniel Smith (London, England) led the Nighthawks with eight points down the stretch, while Caruthers and sophomore guard Mondo Watkins (Hot Springs) took advantage of Mustang turnovers and foul trouble to soar across the finish line.
Emerson led the Nighthawks in scoring with 20 points. Caruthers added 16 points, while Smith and Watkins finished with 14 and 11 points, respectively, in the win.
The Nighthawk men will play in the Allen County Community College Classic Friday and Saturday in Iola, Kansas. NPC faces Allen County Community College Friday, November 15 at 7 p.m. and Dallas College-North Lake Saturday, November 16 at 2 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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