Lady Stallions Basketball Recap By Rev. Justin C. Jackson, Sports Information Director

Final Score Southwest 69, North American 60

Location: Stafford, TX | Date: January 11, 2025

LIVE FROM THE SIDELINES: The Lady Stallions gave it their all in a hard fought overtime battle against Southwest. The gym may not have been packed, but the energy was electric, thanks to the dedicated parents, families, and special guests who came out in full support. A big shoutout to On Clutch Sports College Tipp-Off for broadcasting the game on YouTube and bringing more fans into the action.

Special recognition goes to the Admissions Recruitment Department, whose enthusiasm and first-floor energy were palpable courtside. Their loud cheers and campus pride were truly inspiring. With this kind of momentum, it won't be long before our gym is filled with faculty, staff, and students, making NAU games the must-see events of the season!

HOW IT PLAYED OUT

First Quarter: Southwest started strong with Briana Montoya's sharp shooting, taking an 18-12 lead. The Lady Stallions worked hard to keep the deficit manageable but struggled to find their offensive rhythm.

Second Quarter: The Lady Stallions' defense shone, with standout plays from Elisa Peralta and Kaci Johnson. However, Southwest capitalized on second-chance opportunities to maintain their lead, going into halftime up 29-22.

Third Quarter: This was the turning point for NAU. Led by Kaci Johnson's physical play and strong rebounding, the Lady Stallions outscored Southwest 19-10, igniting the crowd. Johnson's late layup shifted the momentum in NAU's favor.

Fourth Quarter: A back-and-forth battle ensued. Southwest's Alliah Scallion hit a crucial three-pointer to tie the game, while NAU missed a chance at the buzzer to win. Overtime was inevitable.

Overtime: Southwest's experience showed in the extra period, as they executed well defensively and hit key free throws. Despite the Lady Stallions' heart and hustle, Southwest emerged victorious, 69-60.

PLAYER HIGHLIGHTS

Southwest

• Briana Montoya: 20 points, 6 rebounds, 5-11 from three
• Alliah Scallion: 19 points, 4-4 from the free-throw line
• Milinda Arguellez: 10 points, 13 rebounds

North American

• Kaci Johnson: Double-double with 13 points and 11 rebounds
• Akyrah Hodges: 11 points, 7 rebounds, and 2 steals
• Elisa Peralta: 8 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 assists

COACH'S VIEW: Coach Dane Smith remained optimistic despite the loss: "Tonight wasn't just about the game—it was about the spirit we're building. The parents, families, and faculty who came out gave us that extra push. We'll clean up the turnovers, tighten our execution, and come back stronger. This is just the beginning."

SIDELINE TAKEAWAY The Lady Stallions are a team on the rise, and the campus community is taking notice. The support from Admissions Recruitment and efforts to engage more faculty and staff promise to turn this gym into a true home-court advantage.

NAU is gearing up for the long haul, and this is just one stretch of what's shaping up to be an unforgettable USCAA Basketball Derby. Stay tuned, Stallions fans—big things are on the horizon!

Catch the next recap right here on Stable Talk!