SAN DIEGO, Calif. - The NNU women's basketball team traveled to San Diego, California this weekend to compete in the Sea Lions Thanksgiving Classic. Their first game of the tournament was on Friday, November 28th against Cal State San Marcos. In a close battle the Nighthawks worked their way to a 64-60 victory.
The Nighthawks got off to a slower start in the first quarter, but a three-pointer from Beaux Bruegman kick-started the NNU offense. The Cougars brought intensity on the defensive end, forcing key steals that allowed them to take an early lead. NNU responded by staying steady in the paint and converting at the free-throw line. After taking a five-point lead with two minutes remaining, the Nighthawks looked poised to close out the quarter on top. However, back-to-back threes from the Cougars flipped the momentum, sending San Marcos into the break with a one-point advantage.
Trinidie Nichols drilled a quick three to open the second quarter, tying the game at 19–19. The back-and-forth battle continued as the Nighthawks stayed hot from deep while the Cougars applied pressure defensively. San Marcos' Sophie Morales hit a three of her own to give the Cougars a seven-point lead with thirty seconds left, but Chloe Deharo steadied the Nighthawks' offense with a layup and key free throws to trim the deficit to just one heading into halftime.
The third quarter stayed true to the rhythm of the game, with NNU trailing by only a possession for most of the frame. A three-pointer from Deharo brought the score to 50–51, keeping the Nighthawks within striking distance. The momentum in the gym stayed high as both teams traded buckets and entered the final quarter tied 52–52.
NNU made their move in the fourth, surging ahead by six with strong scoring inside. The Cougars attempted to rally, but a clutch three from Kelly Garrity helped the Nighthawks maintain control. San Marcos cut the lead to two after capitalizing at the free-throw line, but the Nighthawks stayed composed. Deharo iced the game with two made free throws in the final three seconds, securing the 64–60 victory for NNU.
Trinidie Nichols led her team offensively with a stand out 21 points. Chloe Deharo and Beaux Bruegman also added 14 points apiece for the Nighthawks.
The Nighthawks will continue their appearance in the Sea Lions Thanksgiving Classic as they compete against Point Loma Saturday the 29th. The match up is set for 2 PM Pacific time in Golden Gymnasium.
