The No. 21 National Park College (NPC) Nighthawk men’s basketball team (4-2) split the Red Devil Classic, hosted by Allen County Community College, over the weekend, defeating Allen County Community College, 77-76, Friday and falling to No. 1 Dallas College-North Lake, 68-58, Saturday.
Friday’s action came down to the wire, with NPC holding on late to achieve victory. Led by strong shooting from sophomore guard Shamir Caruthers (Rochester, New York) out of the gate, the Nighthawks relied heavily on offensive rebounds and second-chance points to soar into halftime with a 39-31 lead.
In the second half, the Red Devils caught fire, outscoring NPC, 45-38. Sophomore forward Brody Emberton (Clinton) took advantage of Allen County Community College miscues, recording two steals and two blocks, while sophomore guard Monto Watkins (Hot Springs) protected the basketball with five total rebounds as NPC held on for the one-point victory.
Caruthers led the Nighthawks in scoring with 22 points. Watkins added 19 points, while Emberton finished with 16 points in the win.
Tough defense proved to be too much for NPC to overcome in Saturday’s action against the top-ranked Blazers. Dallas College-North Lake controlled the paint in the first half, winning the rebounding battle and taking a 37-29 advantage after 20 minutes. NPC fared better, defensively, in the second half, but could not overcome the deficit. Freshman guard Randy Emerson (Pine Bluff) proved to be the Nighthawks’ bright spot on offense, recording 20 points on 7-of-15 shooting and four three-pointers throughout the contest, but time ran out on NPC’s comeback attempt.
Emerson led the Nighthawks in scoring with 20 points in the loss.
The Nighthawk men compete in the West Texas College Classic, hosted by Western Texas College in Snyder, Texas beginning Thursday, November 21. NPC faces Lamar Community College Thursday at noon, followed by Dallas College-Brookhaven Friday, November 22, at 4 p.m. and McLennan Community College Saturday, November 23, at 4 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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