24 Jan 2024 Nighthawks corral Colts, improve to 16-0

LOCKESBURG — The top-ranked National Park College (NPC) Nighthawk men’s basketball team (16-0) continued its winning ways with a 102-85 win over University of Arkansas-Cossatot (UA Cossatot) Monday.

Despite an 11-day break between games due to icy weather in central Arkansas, NPC showed no signs of rust against its NJCAA Region 2 opponent, taking command over the Colts early and never looking back. Capitalizing on UA Cossatot foul trouble and cold three-point shooting, the Nighthawks built a 17-point lead through the first 10 minutes behind a strong offensive and defensive start from sophomore forward Nakavieon White (Odessa, Texas). Sophomore guard Siddiq Canty (Dallas, Texas) added 11 points off the bench, including three treys, to boost NPC to a 55-33 halftime advantage.

The Nighthawks continued to flex their strength over the final 20 minutes, with sophomore guard Patrick Punch (Houston, Texas) and sophomore forward Anthony Swift (Las Vegas, Nevada) erupting for 13 and 12 second-half points, respectively. Sophomore guard Ja’Bryant Hill (Dallas, Texas) finished with 10 points in the second half as the Nighthawks picked up their third NJCAA Region 2 win of the season. 

Punch and Swift led the Nighthawks in scoring with 19 points apiece. Hill added 17 points and 10 assists, while Canty and sophomore center Taylor Harrell (Houston, Texas) finished with 15 and 11 points, respectively. With 11 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists, White recorded his second career triple double for National Park College. 

The Nighthawks play host to Shorter College Thursday, January 25 at 6:30 p.m. The game will be streamed live on the Nighthawk Network.