NAMPA, ID - The Northwest Nazarene Nighthawks delivered one of their most complete performances of the season, leading from start to finish in an 82–71 victory over the Simon Fraser Red Leafs. From the opening possession to the final free throw, the Nighthawks controlled the tempo, answered every push, and showcased the kind of balance that wins games in February.
It didn't take long for Northwest Nazarene to find its rhythm.
Garrett Hawkes drilled a three-pointer on the game's opening possession, setting the tone for a first half defined by crisp ball movement and confident shooting. The Nighthawks stretched the lead to as many as 15 in the opening period, knocking down eight three-pointers before the break and carrying a 42–35 advantage into halftime.
The offense hummed all night. Northwest Nazarene shot 45.6 percent from the field and 43.3 percent from beyond the arc, connecting on 13 threes. Even more impressive was the unselfish approach — 20 assists on 31 made baskets — as the Nighthawks consistently found the extra pass and the open man.
Easton Reagan led the charge with a game-high 22 points on 10-of-18 shooting. He was relentless attacking the rim, finishing through contact and converting in transition. Reagan also stepped up when momentum began to shift in the second half, knocking down timely shots to quiet Simon Fraser's runs. Hawkes added 15 points, including three triples and six clutch free throws in the closing minute to put the game out of reach.
Briggs Ranstrom anchored the interior with a double-double, pouring in 11 points while pulling down 12 rebounds. His presence on the glass helped Northwest Nazarene win the rebounding battle 39–30 and limit second-chance opportunities.
Jaden Byers chipped in 12 points and three assists, while
Michael Day provided an efficient spark with 11 points on 4-of-5 shooting, including 3-of-4 from deep.
Simon Fraser cut the deficit to just three midway through the second half, but the Nighthawks never wavered. A composed stretch of execution — highlighted by a Day three-pointer, strong finishes from Reagan, and defensive stops on consecutive possessions — quickly pushed the lead back to double digits. From there, Northwest Nazarene leaned on its defense and free-throw shooting to close the door.
The Nighthawks finished with 18 points off turnovers and eight fast-break points, turning defensive intensity into offensive production. Most importantly, they never trailed and never allowed the lead to change hands — a wire-to-wire performance that reflected focus, maturity, and confidence.
The Nighthawks continue to prepare for the GNAC playoffs as they move on to a 11-6 Conference record, which is enough to clinch a spot in the postseason. NNU currently sits in the three seed as they have one more game this Saturday as we celebrate our seniors as the Nighthawks face off against the Western Washington Vikings here in the Johnson Sports Center at 7pm on the 28th.
