NAU JV Basketball Recap
Written by Rev. Justin C. Jackson

The North American University JV Stallions put on an electrifying display of grit and teamwork to secure a hard-fought 86-78 victory over the Louisiana Knights at the P.A.R.C. Gym on January 24, 2025. In a game defined by intense back-and-forth action, the Stallions overcame early adversity and showcased their depth to come out on top.

Key Performances

• Aaderius Blanks: The standout of the night, Blanks stuffed the stat sheet with 19 points, 6 rebounds, and 6 assists. His ability to create opportunities and hit clutch shots was instrumental in securing the win.
• Ethan Rodela: The steady forward contributed 18 points on 6-of-10 shooting, complementing his offensive performance with 5 rebounds and 2 steals.
• Reid Daniels: Anchoring the paint, Daniels notched a double-double with 12 points and 10 rebounds, asserting dominance in the post when it mattered most.
• Bench Mob: The Stallions' reserves made their presence felt, contributing 29 points led by Sean Thompson (9 points) and Antone McNair (8 points).

Game Highlights

North American started strong, capitalizing on 50% shooting from beyond the arc in the first half. They led 40-34 heading into the break, despite a relentless attack in the paint by the Knights, who tallied 62 points near the rim for the game.

The second half saw the Stallions tighten their defensive rotations and execute precision offense. A blistering 60% field goal percentage in the final 20 minutes sealed the deal, with critical late-game buckets by Rodela and Blanks maintaining their composure under pressure.

Crunch Time Clarity

Despite the Knights pulling within striking distance late in the game, a 3-pointer by Blanks at the 2:04 mark gave the Stallions enough breathing room to hold on. The Knights' final bucket came with just 31 seconds left, but the Stallions' defense prevented any comeback attempts.

By the Numbers

• Field Goal Percentage: North American shot an impressive 53.4% from the floor, compared to Louisiana's 49.2%.
• Three-Point Accuracy: The Stallions were lights out from deep, hitting 9-of-15 (60%).
• Free Throws: Improved charity stripe performance (68.8% in the second half) helped keep the Knights at bay.
• Bench Contribution: The Stallions' bench outscored the Knights' reserves 29-11, providing a decisive advantage.

Turning Point

Trailing by 8 midway through the first half, the Stallions ramped up their defensive intensity, forcing turnovers and converting them into transition points. This momentum carried into the second half, where the Stallions built their largest lead of 16 with under 4 minutes left to play.

What's Next?

The JV Stallions continue to build momentum and demonstrate the depth of talent within the NAU basketball program. Their next challenge will be another matchup in front of their loyal fans at The Stable, where they'll look to keep the winning streak alive.

Get those four-fingered hooves up and GO STALLIONS!