NAMPA, Idaho – Northwest Nazarene men's basketball capped off a special Homecoming Saturday with an 85-54 exhibition victory over Walla Walla University inside the Johnson Sports Center, highlighting an evening that also featured the induction of Amanda (Merrell) Peters and Carlos Antràs Solé into the NNU Athletics Hall of Fame.
Playing in front of 1,567 fans, the Nighthawks controlled the contest on both ends of the floor, led by a double-double from Nicholas Corbett and 16 points from Jayden Smoot.
After Walla Walla opened the game with a three-pointer, NNU took control early and built a 12-5 advantage. The Nighthawks continued to extend their lead throughout the opening half, using strong interior play and defensive pressure to hold the Wolves to just 21 first-half points.
NNU stretched its advantage to 20 points at the break, taking a 41-21 lead into the locker room. The Nighthawks limited Walla Walla to 22.2 percent shooting in the opening 20 minutes while forcing turnovers and creating second-chance opportunities.
At halftime, Northwest Nazarene celebrated its newest Hall of Fame inductees, Amanda (Merrell) Peters and Carlos Antràs Solé, recognizing their outstanding contributions to NNU Athletics as part of the university's Homecoming festivities.
The Nighthawks kept their foot on the gas in the second half, shooting 52.8 percent from the field over the final 20 minutes. After Walla Walla trimmed the deficit to 15 early in the period, NNU responded with a 25-6 stretch to build a 34-point advantage at 70-36 with 8:43 remaining.
NNU continued to control the contest down the stretch, eventually securing the 31-point victory.
Corbett finished with 19 points and 11 rebounds, shooting 6-of-8 from the field and 7-of-8 at the free-throw line. Smoot contributed 16 points and two steals, while Reece Dent provided a spark off the bench with 10 points, six rebounds, and two blocks.
Christopher Richardson chipped in eight points, while Andrew King recorded seven points, six rebounds, and a team-high five assists. Quincy Scott added seven points and seven rebounds, and Behren Ryden scored seven points in just five minutes of action.
NNU will look forward to the first United Heritage Mayor's Cup on Tuesday Nov. 10 as they take on rival College of Idaho. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:07 p.m. in the Johnson Sports Center. Tickets can be purchased here.
By the Numbers:
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Nicholas Corbett led the Nighthawks with a double-double of 19 points and 11 rebounds, shooting 6-of-8 from the field.
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Jayden Smoot added 16 points, while Reece Dent contributed 10 points and six rebounds off the bench.
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Andrew King finished with seven points, six rebounds, and a team-high five assists.
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NNU dominated the paint, outscoring Walla Walla 52-14, and held a 48-26 rebounding advantage.
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The Nighthawks forced 22 turnovers and converted them into 25 points.
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NNU's bench contributed 36 points, while the team shot 46.4 percent from the field.
