Men's Basketball | NAIA | December 13, 2025
Written By Rev. Justin C. Jackson

Texas Showdown Comes Down to the Wire as Stallions Battle UNT Dallas

Call it H-Town vs. the Big D.
Call it regional pride.
Call it the start of something bigger.

With Paul Quinn officially stepping away from the RRAC lane, Coach Josh Howard has officially thrown North American University into the Metroplex hat, and just like that — NAU vs. UNT Dallas has the rumor mill buzzing about who really owns the NAIA spotlight in North Texas.

Saturday afternoon at Trinity Leadership in Cedar Hill, the adopted stepchild from Houston walked into Dallas to test the stage — and the Stallions didn't flinch.

If this was the opening chapter of a new Texas NAIA rivalry, it delivered exactly what rivalries are supposed to bring.

North American University went toe-to-toe with UNT Dallas from the opening tip, controlling long stretches of play before a late second-half push swung the outcome in a 69–61 decision. The contest featured six ties and five lead changes, and wasn't settled until the final minute.

And while the final score favored the home side, make no mistake — this was a heavyweight bout that stayed tight to the horn.

Stallions Set the Tone Early

North American struck first and established physical play on both ends. After absorbing early runs, the Stallions answered with a decisive 12–0 scoring stretch, sparked by a Kemani Wilson three-pointer, that flipped momentum and gave NAU control for much of the first half.

Syncere L. Shaw knocked down a late three to extend the lead, and North American carried a 30–25 advantage into halftime, holding UNT Dallas to nine made field goals in the opening frame.

Second Half Turns into a Grind

The second half shifted into a possession-by-possession battle as UNT Dallas leaned heavily on trips to the free-throw line, converting 16 of 17 attempts after the break. That stretch allowed the Trailblazers to erase the deficit and push ahead late.

Still, the Stallions continued to answer.

Jamarric Hammond gave NAU the lead midway through the half with a fastbreak finish, and Naheim Northern drilled a late three-pointer to pull the Stallions within four with under 30 seconds remaining. UNT Dallas closed the game at the line in the final moments.

Stallion Standouts

Naheim Northern posted a double-double with 12 points, 11 rebounds, and four blocks, anchoring the paint on both ends.

Jamarric Hammond led North American with 13 points and added nine rebounds, consistently attacking the rim.

Syncere L. Shaw delivered 12 points off the bench, providing timely perimeter shooting and energy.

Kemani Wilson chipped in eight points, including two three-pointers, and added defensive pressure.

North American controlled the glass, outrebounding UNT Dallas 49–41, and owned an 18–4 edge in second-chance points, reflecting the Stallions' physicality throughout the afternoon.

What It Shows

This was a true road test — tight whistle, hostile floor, and a game that demanded discipline down the stretch. North American showed it can compete deep into games against regional rivals and left Cedar Hill firmly in the Metroplex conversation.

The rivalry talk isn't speculation anymore.
It's real.

Up Next — Back Home at The Stable

North American returns home for a two-game homestand:

• Wednesday, December 18 | 7:30 PM CST
  vs. Texas A&M–San Antonio

• Friday, December 20 | 5:00 PM CST
  vs. Our Lady of the Lake

With students away for Christmas break, this is a call to faculty and staff to step into the seats and stand behind these student-athletes as conference play continues.

Show up. Show support.
Hooves Up. Go Stallions.