DENVER, Colo. – Jayden Bezzant led four players in double figures as the Northwest Nazarene men's basketball team defeated Metro State 81-74 on Friday in Denver.

Bezzant had 20 points and seven rebounds as the Nighthawks erased a four-point halftime deficit to earn the road victory.

"I was really impressed with how they maintained their composure throughout the game," NNU coach Paul Rush said. "Their ability to consistently get big stops made the difference tonight."

Obi Megwa added 13 points and three assists, Khalil Thompson had 13 points and Maurice Jones finished with 12 points and seven rebounds.

NNU (4-1) outscored Metro State 46-35 in the second half to pick up the victory. The Nighthawks will face Regis University at Metro State at 5 p.m. Saturday.

"I'm so proud of the way the guys stayed together," Rush said. "They battled through a lot of adversity – the altitude, the travel and a tough start to the game."

The Nighthawks opened the second half on a 14-3 run to take a 49-42 lead with 11:53 remaining in the game.

Bezzant hit a 3-pointer and a layup, Jones had a layup, Thompson hit a jumper and two free throws and Megwa hit a jumper and a free throw to help NNU take command of the game.

Bezzant and Megwa combined to score 25 points in the second half to lift the Nighthawks, making eight free throws in the final 20 minutes.