Written By Rev. Justin C. Jackson, SID

The lights were bright inside the Flickenger Center. The moment was bigger than a regular-season tip. It was the program's first appearance at the United States Collegiate Athletic Association National Tournament.

And the North American University Stallions didn't just show up — they delivered.

North American University opened tournament play with a 65-64 victory over Bryant & Stratton (Buffalo), surviving a second-half surge and closing the game with poise that programs build over time.

This one wasn't about comfort. It was about composure.

First Half: Setting the Tempo

NAU controlled the opening 20 minutes, building a 38-21 halftime lead and dictating both pace and physicality.

The Stallions attacked the paint early and often, finishing with 34 points inside compared to Buffalo's 26. Transition offense also told the story — NAU won the fast break battle 12-2 and turned defense into rhythm offense.

Jamarric Hammond led from the front with 16 points, 8 rebounds, 4 assists, 3 steals and 1 block.

He played 39 minutes and looked every bit like a tournament veteran — even in his first national appearance.

Naheim Northern added 15 points, 6 rebounds, and a game-altering 4 blocks. His presence inside changed shots, shifted momentum, and gave NAU control of the paint.

The Stallions' largest lead reached 19. Everything felt aligned.

Second Half: Buffalo Pushes Back

Then came the response.

Bryant & Stratton outscored NAU 43-27 in the second half, tightening the game possession by possession. Galen Waters poured in 18 points, knocking down four three-pointers. Benton and Sylvester each added 12, and Buffalo capitalized at the free-throw line (18-of-25).

NAU finished shooting:

• 40.3% from the field

• 22.7% from three

• 71.4% from the line

The Stallions also committed 18 turnovers, leading to 24 Buffalo points. That's the stat that kept this game from being sealed early.

With 4:27 remaining, the score was tied 57-57.

From that moment on, it wasn't about style. It was about steel.

This wasn't a "nail-biter."
This was two teams trading momentum like heavyweight verses in a late-night cipher — and the Stallions delivered the closing bars.

Northern finished through contact. Hammond battled on the glass. Oakley Lewis stepped off the bench with 11 points and key interior buckets. Joseph Cormier grabbed 8 rebounds and dished 3 assists, doing the kind of work that wins tournament games but doesn't always trend on social media.

NAU held the line.

Final: 65-64.

By The Numbers

• Rebounds: NAU 42, Buffalo 39

• Second-Chance Points: NAU 13, Buffalo 6

• Bench Points: NAU 26, Buffalo 10

• Assists: NAU 13, Buffalo 8

• Largest Lead: NAU by 19

Depth mattered. Physicality mattered. Execution late mattered most.

A Historic Step Forward

Let's put this in perspective.

This is the first USCAA National Tournament trip in Stallions history. And instead of being overwhelmed by the moment, North American University walked into the national spotlight and walked out with a win.

That shifts culture.
That builds belief.
That tells future recruits this program travels well.

The Stallions are no longer just attendees at the national tournament.

They're advancing.

Up Next: Bloomfield College

Next up for NAU is a matchup with Bloomfield College Bears, representing Bloomfield College of Montclair State University. The Bears recently completed a transition from NCAA Division II to compete in USCAA Division I this season, bringing fresh energy and experience to this level of play. Bloomfield stands out as a competitive force in the North American Conference for Intercollegiate Athletics and has put together strong showings this year, including convincing victories and key performances across its rotation of scorers and rebounders.

What to watch:

1. Ball Security. 18 turnovers cannot repeat at this level.

2. Perimeter Efficiency. 5-of-22 from deep leaves room for growth.

3. Closing Discipline. When games tighten, every possession becomes a possession of purpose.

4. Matchup Size & Physicality. Bloomfield's recent production shows they can score inside and spread the floor — NAU must match their intensity.

If the Stallions continue to dominate the glass, get production from their bench, and defend with intention, this run may not be short-lived.

The stage is bigger now.

And the Stallions just proved they belong.