STAFFORD, Texas – This time, the Stallions wrote a different second-half story. After watching a 20-point halftime lead disappear in their previous outing, North American University found itself on the other side of the scoreboard Friday afternoon. Trailing Southwestern Adventist 33-31 at the break, NAU responded with a 46-point second half to secure a 77-70 victory at The Field House on October 30.
The opening half was a back-and-forth affair, with neither team able to create much separation. Southwestern Adventist carried a slim two-point advantage into halftime, but North American came out of the locker room with a different level of urgency.
The Stallions found their offensive rhythm after the break, shooting 45.6 percent from the field for the game and knocking down six of their 10 attempts from beyond the arc. More importantly, North American converted 19-of-21 free throws (90.5%), making the most of its opportunities at the charity stripe.
OZMANDIAS SAVAGE led the Stallions with 17 points, seven rebounds, two steals and three blocked shots. Gabriel James delivered from long range, finishing with 16 points while connecting on four of his five three-point attempts.
Jordan Hill provided another important contribution off the bench, adding 11 points, three assists and three steals. James Parker finished with 10 points and a game-high six assists, while Donovan Fears chipped in nine points, including a three-pointer.
Caleb Barajas made his presence felt on the defensive end, collecting 10 rebounds, four steals and two blocked shots to go along with four points. North American finished with a 43-26 rebounding advantage and forced 18 turnovers from Southwestern Adventist.
Southwestern Adventist had three players reach double figures, led by J. Poole and A. Mancilla with 13 points apiece. R. Orcsanya added 12 points off the bench.
The Stallions also made their mark defensively, recording 13 steals and six blocked shots while holding Southwestern Adventist to 36.4 percent shooting from the floor.
The Bottom Line: Friday afternoon was about responding. After surrendering a 20-point halftime lead in the previous contest, North American faced another halftime deficit and this time made sure the second half belonged to the Stallions. A 46-37 advantage after the break sealed the seven-point victory and moved NAU to 1-1 on the season.
Up Next: The Stallions hit the road for a Monday morning matchup against Nicholls State University on November 2. Tipoff is scheduled for 11 a.m.
