NAU Stallions Take Charge in Second Half to Ground the Northern New Mexico Eagles, 60-46

In a game that began as a defensive grind and ended with a strong offensive surge, the North American University Stallions galloped past the Northern New Mexico Eagles, 60-46, at "The Stable." The first half was a tale of two teams locked in a defensive standoff, with the Stallions and Eagles heading into the break tied at 22-22. But the second half was a different story, as the Stallions turned up the heat and outscored Northern New Mexico 38-24, securing the victory.

The first half was a defensive battle, with both teams struggling to find their rhythm. The Stallions shot 46.2% from the field but had trouble beyond the arc, making only 28.6% of their three-pointers. Meanwhile, the Eagles found success from long range, connecting on six three-pointers, but struggled inside, shooting just 31.4% from the field. Turnovers hurt both teams, but the score was deadlocked heading into the break.

Key Stallions Players:

• Caleb Malik: Led the Stallions in scoring with 12 points, and 4 blocks contributing to the offensive surge in the second half.
• Oakley Lewis: Added 11 points and 2 rebounds, helping to ignite the team's offense after the break.
• Damione Thomas: Contributed 10 points, 8 rebounds, and 5 blocks, proving his defensive prowess and making an impact on both ends of the floor.
• Erric Wynn: Pulled down 8 rebounds while adding 4 points with two huge Stallion Stampede Dunks, playing a key role in the Stallions' rebounding effort.
• Jordan C. Harris: Provided a spark off the bench with 7 points, giving the Stallions a much-needed lift in the second half.
• Sean Fry: Contributed 4 points and 2 assists, bringing stability and poise to the second unit.

The second half was where the Stallions truly shone, dominating the offensive and defensive glass and capitalizing on 20 Northern New Mexico turnovers. The Stallions' defense was stifling, leading to transition opportunities and easy baskets. Their offense also came to life, with key shots falling at crucial moments.

Key Eagles Players:

• Jesus Mendoza: Led all scorers with 12 points, shooting 4-of-9 from beyond the arc, but his hot hand wasn't enough to carry the Eagles.
• Joziah Ramos: Added 11 points, but Northern New Mexico struggled to keep up with the Stallions' explosive second-half performance.
• Tahj Malik-Campbell: Contributed 8 points and 7 rebounds, working hard to keep his team in the game but ultimately falling short.

Team Comparison:

• The Stallions shot 46.2% from the field (24-of-52), while Northern New Mexico managed just 31.4% (16-of-51).
• From beyond the arc, the Eagles edged North American 31.6% (6-of-19) compared to 28.6% (4-of-14).
• At the free-throw line, the Eagles were more efficient, shooting 80.0% (8-of-10) compared to the Stallions' 66.7% (8-of-12).
• Despite being out-rebounded 38-29, the Stallions capitalized on turnovers, forcing 20 giveaways while committing only 14 themselves.
• The Stallions' bench proved to be a game-changer, outscoring the Eagles' reserves 23-10.

Coach's Corner: Head Coach B. Doze praised his team's resilience and second-half adjustments. "We knew the first half wasn't our best basketball, but I told the guys to stay the course. We locked in defensively, and that opened up opportunities on the other end. It's all about effort and execution, and I'm proud of how we finished."

With the win, the Stallions improve to 5-9 (1-8) on the season, while the Eagles fall to 3-13 (0-1). North American looks to build on this momentum as they prepare for their next matchup, with a growing confidence that they can compete with any team that steps into "The Stable."

Up Next for the Stallions: Rivalry Game Against the Texas College Steers

The North American University Stallions are set to face off in a highly anticipated rivalry game against the Texas College Steers. The game will tip off at The Stable on December 19, 2024, and promises to be a I-69 showdown AKA The Rodeo Showdown at The Stafford Stables between these two fierce competitors.  

With both teams bringing intensity to the court, the Stallions are ready to continue building momentum after their victory over Northern New Mexico. Expect high energy, passionate play, and plenty of crowd support as the Stallions take on their rivals in this must-see matchup.  For now, the Stallions are back in the saddle, proving that when they bring their A-game, they can outwork and outplay the competition.

Get those hooves up and make some noise, Stallion Nation! Let's pack the Stable and show the Steers what we're made of!