NAMPA, Idaho —The Northwest Nazarene University men's basketball team protected home court Saturday night, grinding out a 68–65 win over Montana State University Billings inside the Johnson Sports Center in Nampa. 

The Nighthawks never trailed and led for the entire 40 minutes, but the Yellowjackets refused to go away, trimming a 17-point second-half deficit down to one in the final seconds before NNU calmly sealed it at the free-throw line. 

Garrett Hawkes paced the Nighthawks with a game-high 21 points on an efficient 9-of-13 shooting, adding seven rebounds, three steals, and a highlight-reel fastbreak dunk that brought the home crowd to its feet. Easton Reagan poured in 18 points and seven boards, attacking the paint all night and knocking down a pair of three-pointers. Jaden Byers added 10 points, including clutch free throws in the final minute to help secure the win. 

NNU set the tone early with defense and energy. The Nighthawks opened the game on a 7–0 run and dominated the paint throughout the first half, finishing with 44 points inside for the game. Michael Day was a force defensively, recording five blocks and altering countless shots, while Briggs Ranstrom contributed six rebounds, three assists, two steals, and two blocks in a gritty 39-minute effort. 

After taking a 38–31 lead into halftime, the Nighthawks extended their advantage midway through the second half. A Reagan three-pointer pushed the lead to 50–33 with 15:04 to play, giving NNU its largest cushion of the night. 

But MSUB answered with a surge fueled by transition baskets and second-chance opportunities. The Yellowjackets chipped away and cut the lead to 60–57 with just over two minutes remaining. In the 

closing moments, Montana State Billings made it a one-point game at 64–63, applying full-court pressure and forcing key possessions down the stretch. 

That's when NNU leaned on its composure. Byers and Hawkes combined to go 6-of-6 from the free-throw line in the final seconds, including two from Hawkes with just two seconds remaining to put the game out of reach. 

The Nighthawks shot 49 percent from the field and forced 17 MSUB turnovers, turning them into 22 points. NNU also won the rebounding battle 37–31 and added 10 blocks as a team in one of its strongest defensive performances of the season. 

With the win in Nampa, the Nighthawks continue to build momentum in conference play as they move to 15-87 overall, and 9-5 in conference play. The Nighthawks will play the Saint Martin Saints on Thursday in Lacey Washington. Tipoff will be at 8:30 Mountain Time.