Stafford, Texas — January 10, 2026

It was a battle from the opening tip — a back-and-forth slugfest that had fans on the edge of their seats at The Stable. Every possession mattered, every rebound fought over, every shot contested. North American University came to play, matching LSU Shreveport basket for basket, but in the end, the Pilots' poise down the stretch edged the Stallions in a heart-stopping 84–81 finish.

From start to finish, this contest was a showcase of willpower and skill. LSU Shreveport leaned on Hayden Brittingham, who dominated inside with 26 points and 14 rebounds, while sharpshooters Emareyon McDonald and Thaddeus Johnson kept the Pilots' perimeter alive, helping them maintain a narrow lead through much of the game.

NAU refused to back down. Joseph Cormier was surgical, going 10-of-13 from the field with two threes and 24 points, earning an RRAC Player of the Week nomination. Every time the Stallions needed a basket, Cormier delivered. Jamarric Hammond brought the physicality and defensive energy, grabbing 10 rebounds, adding five steals, and doing the relentless work that doesn't always show up on the scoreboard — his effort also earned an RRAC Player of the Week nod.

Supporting casts stepped up as well. Jayden Jackson added 13 points and three steals, Naheim Northern chipped in 13 points and six rebounds off the bench, and Tevin Gowens ran the floor like a floor general, tallying 16 assists to orchestrate the Stallions' offense. Every player left everything on the court, showing the grit and fight this NAU team has built.

The game came down to the final possessions. LSU Shreveport hit critical free throws and made timely baskets to preserve the win, finishing with 50.9% shooting from the field and 76.9% from the free-throw line. The Pilots' balance and poise proved just enough to fend off NAU's relentless push.

While the final buzzer favored LSU Shreveport, North American proved they belong in every conversation this season. With the combination of Cormier's scoring, Hammond's defense, and a deep bench that can ignite runs in an instant, the Stallions are a team to watch in the RRAC. The challenge now: translate this energy into four full quarters and turn near-misses into signature wins.

Key Players – NAU Stallions

• Joseph Cormier (#13) – 24 pts, 3 rebounds, 2 threes. RRAC Player of the Week nominee. Led NAU's scoring with highly efficient shooting.

• Jamarric Hammond (#24) – 8 pts, 10 rebounds, 5 steals. RRAC Player of the Week nominee. Energized the team on defense and the boards.

• Tevin Gowens (#0) – 10 pts, 16 assists, 3 rebounds. Ran the offense and set up teammates all game.

• Naheim Northern (#45) – 13 pts, 6 rebounds. Key scorer off the bench to keep NAU close.

• Jayden Jackson (#23) – 13 pts, 5 rebounds, 3 threes. Hit timely shots and stretched the floor.

Written By Rev. Justin C. Jackson