DANVILLE, ILLINOIS – The National Park College (NPC) Nighthawk men’s basketball team (28-1) defeated Johnson County Community College (JCCC), 74-68, Monday in the round of 16 at the National Junior College Athletics Association (NJCAA) Division 2 Men’s Basketball National Tournament.

Despite a 15 day break since its last game, NPC looked strong early in its first National Tournament appearance in program history. Led by 10 points apiece from sophomore guard Patrick Punch (Houston, Texas) and sophomore forward Nakavieon White (Odessa, Texas), NPC established its rhythm with timely three-point shooting and drives inside to maintain a tight lead.

In a back-and-forth first half, NPC relied on tough defense and steals to stay ahead, recording seven takeaways as the Nighthawks took a 42-36 halftime advantage.

NPC remained hot out of the gate in the second half, boosting its lead to 15 points, 51-36, with 17:39 to play. Sophomore center Taylor Harrell (Houston, Texas) proved to be a dominant force down low, assisting the Nighthawks with offensive rebounds and put backs. The Cavaliers did not go away quietly, however, rallying with a 16-1 run to tie the game, 52-52, with 11:22 remaining.

In a physical ballgame down the stretch, the Nighthawks thrived from the free throw line, with White knocking down five second-half free throws and sophomore guard Keryn Collins (Dallas, Texas) hitting two clutch free throws late to protect the lead. In the final minute of play, NPC held a 67-64 advantage with 37 seconds remaining. White delivered a clutch three-pointer, extending the lead. JCCC pulled within three points, 71-68, with 12.2 seconds to go, but the Nighthawks held off the Cavaliers to advance as one of the final eight teams remaining in the tournament.

White led the Nighthawks in scoring with 23 points. Harrell added 14 points, while Collins, Punch and sophomore guard Ja’Bryant Hill (Dallas, Texas) finished with 13, 11 and 10 points, respectively, in the win.

The Nighthawks will face North Central Missouri College in the NJCAA national quarterfinals Wednesday, March 20 at 6 p.m. NPC defeated the Pirates in their previous meeting this season, 102-83. The 2024 NJCAA Division 2 National Tournament will be streamed live by the NJCAA Network.

For more information on schedules, rosters and more, visit [np.edu/athletics]Nighthawk Athletics online. Fans can also follow the Nighthawks all season on social media.

Facebook: Nighthawk Athletics
Instagram: nighthawkathletics
X: @NPC_Nighthawks