NAMPA, Idaho — Northwest Nazarene University went toe-to-toe with Central Washington for much of the afternoon, but a decisive second-half surge by the Wildcats proved too much to overcome as NNU fell 91–76 on Saturday inside the Johnson Sports Center.
The game opened with high energy and a fast tempo, as both teams traded early baskets and established rhythm from the perimeter. Easton Reagan set the tone for the Nighthawks, knocking down an early three-pointer and attacking the rim with confidence. Central Washington answered with balanced scoring and physical play inside, resulting in several early lead changes as neither side was able to pull away.
NNU found success offensively through strong ball movement and efficiency from the floor. Reagan caught fire in the first half, scoring from all three levels and keeping the Wildcats' defense stretched. Jaden Byers provided a steady presence in the paint and at the free-throw line, while Garrett Hawkes added energy on both ends, including a momentum-shifting dunk that ignited the home crowd.
The teams continued to trade punches late in the first half, with the score tied seven times and the lead changing hands ten times overall. Despite Central Washington's ability to get to the line, the Nighthawks closed the half strong, and a late bucket by Nathan Perez sent NNU into the locker room trailing just 40–38.
Coming out of halftime, Central Washington quickly seized control with an early run fueled by perimeter shooting and second-chance opportunities. The Wildcats extended their lead behind efficient shooting and timely execution in transition, pushing the margin into double digits within the first five minutes of the second half.
NNU continued to compete and showed resilience despite the deficit. Reagan remained a focal point offensively, finishing through contact and knocking down another three-pointer late in the game. Byers and Kyelin King attacked the basket aggressively, while Perez chipped in key minutes off the bench to help steady the Nighthawks.
Still, Central Washington's efficiency at the free-throw line and dominance on the offensive glass proved decisive. The Wildcats scored 15 second-chance points and converted 25 free throws, preventing NNU from fully closing the gap down the stretch.
Reagan led all scorers with a career night, pouring in 30 points on an efficient 11-of-13 shooting from the field and 5-of-6 from beyond the arc, while also grabbing eight rebounds. Byers followed with 19 points, three rebounds, and two assists. Perez added nine points off the bench, and King contributed seven points and three rebounds.
Despite the loss, the Nighthawks showed fight throughout the contest, matching Central Washington for much of the first half and continuing to battle until the final buzzer. NNU moves to 12–7 overall and 6–4 in conference play and will look to regroup as they continue GNAC action in the coming weeks. NNU will head to Alaska next week as they face off against Alaska Fairbanks on Thursday followed by Alaska Anchorage on Saturday.
