HAMMOND SHOWS OFF HIS SKILLSET AS HAWKS MEN’S BASKETBALL DROPS HEARTBREAKER IN BEATRICE

BEATRICE, Neb. – The Northeast Community College men's basketball team began their regular season Tuesday night in Beatrice, Nebraska as they competed in a matchup with Southeast Community College. The Hawks dopped the highly-competitive contest by a final score of 78-77.

The Hawks (0-1) traded blows with the Storm throughout the game and nearly pulled off the road victory. Northeast took a 34-31 lead into the halftime break and looked to be in full control. Ben Hammond (Norfolk, Neb.) recorded his first collegiate points for his hometown team and was a force throughout the showdown.

The second half was a back-and-forth affair as the Hawks lost control of the lead but were able to take a 66-65 advantage with three minutes remaining. Emaniel Alexandre (Nassau, Bahamas) grabbed a crucial rebound and put the ball back into the net to give Northeast a 74-70 lead with 30 seconds to play.

The Hawks looked to be nearing a road victory, but a technical foul with six seconds remaining and a charge drawn by Southeast with 4.9 on the clock gave the Storm the ball down 77-76. Jaden Jenkins put in a bucket as time expired and the Hawks suffered a tough loss despite showing positive signs all night.

HEAR FROM THE HAWKS COACH:

Assistant men's basketball coach Junior Denis on Ben Hammond's big night in his debut:

"I thought he played really well," Denis said. "He knocked down a couple of crucial threes which kept us in the game. Defensively he made some big stops and had a big block when we needed it."

STAT SHEET:

Emaniel Alexandre (Nassau, Bahamas): 19 PTS, 7 REB, 4 STL

Amaire Perkins (Sanford, Fla.): 18 PTS, 3 REB, 2 AST, 3 STL

Ben Hammond (Norfolk, Neb.): 14 PTS, 3 REB, 2 BLK

Jared Lopez (Lincoln, Neb.): 10 PTS, 8 REB

UP NEXT:

Northeast will be at home for the first time this season as they will host Central Community College at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday at the Cox Activities Center in Norfolk.

HAWKS HAPPENINGS:

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