The No.1 ranked National Park College (NPC) Nighthawk men’s basketball team (20-0)
picked up a 88-76 victory over Arkansas State University Mid-South (ASU Mid-South)
Monday in National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Region 2 play to remain
undefeated on the season.
A hot start from sophomore forward Nakavieon White (Odessa, Texas) set the tempo for
NPC early, scoring seven of the team’s first 11 points. With each team trading the
lead over the first four minutes, White’s three-pointer with 15:47 remaining put NPC
in front for good, 9-8. Dominant defense fueled the Nighthawks throughout the first
half, with sophomore center Taylor Harrell (Houston, Texas) controlling the rebounding
battle for NPC. Sophomore guards Patrick Punch (Houston, Texas) and Ja’Bryant Hill
(Dallas, Texas) added nine points apiece in the first half as NPC cruised to a 47-34
halftime advantage.
The Nighthawks remained red-hot over the final 20 minutes, opening the second half
on an 8-2 run and never looking back. Hill shined down the stretch, scoring 15 points,
including three treys. Harrell, who leads the nation in field goal percentage, padded
the lead with offensive rebounds and put-backs as the Nighthawks completed the regular-season
sweep of the Greyhounds.
Hill led the Nighthawks in scoring with 24 points. White added 19 points and 11 assists, while Punch contributed 14 points. Harrell finished with 12 points and 14
rebounds, while sophomore forward Anthony Swift (Las Vegas, Nevada) finished with
12 points in the win.
The Nighthawks play host to Southern Arkansas University Tech Thursday, February 8
at 6:30 p.m. [np.edu/live]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