The No.1 ranked National Park College (NPC) Nighthawk men’s basketball team (21-0)
picked up a 99-71 victory over Southern Arkansas University Tech (SAU Tech) Thursday
in National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Region 2 play to remain undefeated
on the season.
In its first meeting against the Rockets this season, NPC shined, taking the lead
from the opening tipoff and never looking back. Sophomore center Taylor Harrell (Houston,
Texas) opened the scoring, contributing four of the Nighthawks’ first seven points,
while racking up multiple rebounds early. Sophomore guards Keryn Collins (Dallas,
Texas) and Ja’Bryant Hill (Dallas, Texas) paced NPC throughout the first half, with
Collins excelling from beyond the arc and Hill providing lightning-fast layups down
low as the Nighthawks soared to a 57-31 halftime advantage.
Hill and Harrell led NPC out of the gate in the second half, extending their totals
with six points apiece. With a comfortable lead in the second half, the Nighthawks
rested their starters for the most of the final 20 minutes en route to victory. With
the win, NPC matched its single-season wins record, tying the mark previously set
in the 2021-22 season.
Hill led the Nighthawks in scoring with 19 points. Collins added 15 points, while
sophomore guard Patrick Punch (Houston, Texas) and sophomore forward Nakavieon White
(Odessa, Texas) contributed 12 points apiece. Harrell finished with 11 points and
15 rebounds in the win.
The Nighthawks play host to Arkansas State University-Newport Monday, February 12
at 6:30 p.m. The game will be streamed live on the Nighthawk Network.
For more information on schedules, rosters and more, visit Nighthawk Athletics online. Fans can also follow the Nighthawks all season on social media.
Facebook: Nighthawk Athletics
Instagram: nighthawkathletics
X: @NPC_Nighthawks
