The National Park College (NPC) Nighthawk men’s basketball team fell to Phillips Community College of the University of Arkansas (PCCUA) Wednesday in The Kettle, 82-81.
In their first meeting against the Ridge Runners, No. 19 NPC (9-4) could not turn the tide late. From the opening tipoff, the Nighthawks pulled ahead, 5-0, within the first 40 seconds of action, forcing a PCCUA timeout. From there, PCCUA established its rhythm through defensive rebounds, quick drives inside and timely three-point shooting. The game remained close throughout the majority of the first half, with the Nighthawks and Ridge Runners exchanging the lead 10 times. Sophomore guard Shamir Caruthers (Rochester, New York) led the way with 11 first half points as NPC took a 39-36 lead into halftime.
In a second half featuring eight ties, the ballgame came down to the wire. Behind strong three-point shooting, the Ridge Runners began to pull away within the final 10 minutes, taking a convincing 75-64 lead with 6:40 remaining. The Nighthawks would not go away quietly, however, rallying behind big three-pointers from Caruthers and freshman forward Joseph Washington (Miami, Florida) to erase the deficit. From the free throw line, sophomore forward Brody Emberton (Clinton) tied the game, 79-79, with 1:17 remaining. After a tough defensive stand from the Ridge Runners, PCCUA knocked down the go-ahead three-pointer with 12 seconds to play. Sophomore forward Randy Emerson (Pine Bluff) fired a quick layup with 8.3 seconds remaining to pull the Nighthawks within one point, 82-81. NPC regained possession with 1.1 seconds to play, but a full-court heave from sophomore guard Mondo Watkins (Hot Springs) was swatted away as National Park College suffered its first home loss in nearly two years.
Caruthers led the Nighthawks in scoring with 24 points, while Washington added 16 points. Emberton and Watkins finished with 12 and 10 points, respectively, in the loss.
The Nighthawk men return to action Monday, January 6, 2025 at University of Arkansas Cossatot. The Nighthawk women resume NJCAA Region 2 play Friday, December 13 at 5:30 p.m. against Shorter College in North Little Rock.
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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