Written By Rev. Justin C. Jackson

Stafford, TX — You could feel it before tipoff.

This wasn't just another night inside The Stable. This was the I-45 Shootout. Houston vs Dallas. RRAC vs HBCU Conference. A USCAA Regional matchup with postseason implications and Texas pride on full display.

When the final horn sounded, the Stallions defended home court with an 80-70 victory over Paul Quinn College.

Paul Quinn tried to grab the rivalry moniker and run with it. But the Stallions? They dictated tempo, controlled the pace, and closed the door like a veteran squad that understands championship basketball.

Game Breakdown – First Half Control, Second Half Response

North American wasted no time setting the tone.

The Stallions exploded for 39 first-half points while holding Paul Quinn to just 15. That's defensive pressure. That's preparation. That's locking in from the opening tip.

Paul Quinn responded in the second half with 55 points behind Deon McLaughin's 23 off the bench and Jordan Hicks' 19. They made their push. They tested the Stallions.

But when the moment tightened, NAU executed.

North American finished:

• 44.4% from the field

• 52.4% from three (11-21)

• 86.7% from the free throw line

• 19 assists on 28 made baskets

• 15 steals forcing 22 turnovers

That's efficiency under pressure. That's winning basketball.

Jamarric "Pony" Hammond – 1,000 Career Points

This night belonged to the Captain.

Jamarric "Pony" Hammond delivered a performance worthy of the rivalry stage:

26 Points   9-of-16 shooting   4-of-8 from three   4-of-4 from the line   7 rebounds   3 assists

And in the middle of that performance — he crossed the 1,000 career point milestone.

In a rivalry game.
In a regional matchup.
With conference pride on the line.

That's not accidental. That's legacy.
 

Great leaders don't wait for moments. They rise to them. And Pony galloped into Stallion history when it mattered most.

Key Contributors – Total Team Effort

This was not a one-man show.

• Kemani Wilson added 13 points and drilled two triples.

• Joseph Cormier finished with 12 points, 7 rebounds, and 4 steals — active and disruptive.

• Tevin Gowens controlled the defensive tempo with 6 steals and 4 assists, setting the tone on both ends.

• Oakley Lewis chipped in 7 efficient points off the bench.

• Naheim Northern brought toughness inside with 7 points and 6 rebounds.

The Stallions shared the ball. They defended with intensity. They protected home court.

Houston held the line.

Bigger Than a Game

Let's call it what it was.

Houston vs Dallas.
RRAC vs HBCU Conference.
USCAA Regional implications.
The I-45 Shootout.

Paul Quinn came ready. They fought in the second half. But the Stallions proved that The Stable is not a place you visit casually.

You earn wins here.

What's Next

The schedule doesn't slow down.

The Stallions return to action on February 19, 2026 at 7:30 PM CST as they host Jarvis Christian University inside The Stable.

Another conference battle.
Another opportunity to stack momentum.
Another night to defend Houston turf.

The postseason picture is sharpening — and North American is positioning itself like a team that understands what March requires.

Pony has etched his name into the record books.

Now the Stallions chase something bigger.

The I-45 belongs to Houston. And the run continues.