Written By Rev. Justin C. Jackson
Hobbs, N.M. — December 11, 2025

North American stepped into Hobbs ready for a fistfight, and that's exactly what they got — 13 ties, 17 lead changes, and two teams trading blows until Southwest grabbed the final swing in a tight 79–74 battle.

Let's be clear: one of the biggest factors late wasn't a player — it was the Southwest student section.
Small in numbers, but completely turnt up (as the students say) on every point and possession. That noise fed right into the Mustangs' late-game lift.

But, this NAU squad never blinked, never backed up, and showed the kind of backbone that travels.

NAU FIGHTERS OF THE NIGHT

Naheim Northern — A Problem in the Paint

Northern put on a clinic inside, finishing with:

• 14 points

• 11 boards

• 8-of-11 at the line

He battled all night long, absorbed contact, and answered every Southwest run with force.

Jamarric Hammond — Heat Check Activated

Hammond kept NAU alive from deep:

• 13 points

• 3 big threes

• 5 rebounds

Anytime Southwest tried to pull away, Hammond dragged the Stallions right back within striking distance.
 

Tevin Gowens - The Floor General

Gowens didn't just run the offense — he commanded it:

• 9 points

• 7 assists

• 2 steals

He created clean looks even when Southwest tried to speed the game up and disrupt rhythm.

Bench Mob Stepped Up

North American's bench outscored Southwest 18–9 — huge production on the road:

• Syncere Shaw: 8 points, 2 threes

• Kemani Wilson: 7 points, hit a big triple

• Jayden Jackson: perfect from deep (1-for-1)

That's the depth you want heading into conference battles.  Bench we need more of this kinda Stallion Stable Toughness.

THE GAME FLOW — BLOW FOR BLOW

Southwest came out shooting the lights out — 57.7% in the first half, 53.7% for the game — but NAU matched them punch for punch early.

Where NAU punched back:

• Points off turnovers: NAU 17–11

• Second-chance points: NAU 5–3

• Bench points: NAU 18–9

Where Southwest edged it:

• Points in the paint: 42–34

• Timely free throws late

• Crowd-fueled momentum in crunch time

The deciding moments came down the stretch when Scroggins and Williams hit tough, contested baskets — shots the crowd clearly lifted.

Still, the Stallions kept swinging until the final horn.

THE TAKEAWAY

This wasn't a moral victory — this was a measuring-stick night.

NAU went into Hobbs, took Southwest's best punch, stayed in the fight, and made them earn everything. The effort was real. The heart was real. And with just a little more shot-making in the second half (28.9% FG), this game easily swings the other way.

And let's keep it real:
That late-game noise the Mustangs had? That's what The Stable needs, and it has to start Dec 18th at home.