January 6th, 2024
By Rev. Justin C. Jackson
In a thrilling showdown at Austin, Texas, the North American University Stallions' men's basketball team faced off against Huston-Tillitson, leaving it all on the court in a nail-biting encounter that showcased the true spirit of NAIA basketball.
The game kicked off with a fiery exchange, marked by a quick heat check from HT's Faybeyon Shelton. The momentum swung back and forth as Jamaric Hammond of NAU opened the scoring with a flawless 3-pointer. What ensued can only be described as a game of basketball tag, with the lead changing hands ten times and the score tied seven times. Both teams displayed remarkable tenacity, totaling 17 turnovers between them.
HT's Harrison James and Khalif Allim gave an admirable performance, contributing 24 and 19 points, respectively. However, the Stallions, led by the exceptional Jamarric Hammond, aka Pony rallied to secure a hard-fought victory. Hammond showcased his prowess with a 7/10 field goal record, 5/7 from beyond the arc, and crucial contributions in rebounds and steals.
Sean Fry, aka The Sniper, played a pivotal role, delivering clutch shots and posting 13 points, 4 assists, and 5 rebounds. Captain JC, Jalon Clark, an All-Conference Student Athlete, demonstrated his multifaceted skills with an impressive stat line of 10 for 11 from the free-throw line, 8 rebounds, 3 assists, 3 blocks, and 2 steals.
Despite trailing 35-37 at halftime, the Stallions showed unwavering confidence and determination, emerging victorious with a final score of 75-69. Coach Doze Jr. commended the team's resilience and toughness on the road, highlighting Hammond's consistent performance, especially in three-point shooting.
Looking ahead to the upcoming clash against Louisiana Christian University on January 11, 2024, Coach Doze Jr. emphasized the importance of limiting turnovers and executing their game plan. The Stallions are gearing up for a battle-tested challenge against a well-coached LCU team, and fans can catch all the action on Stallions.na.edu and TSBN.com.
As the Stallions continue their season, the rallying cry remains clear: Hooves Up, and Goooooooooo STALLIONSSSSSSSSSS!!!!!!!
