The Central Washington University Wildcats commenced their Great Northwest Athletic Conference (GNAC) season with a decisive 77-63 win over the Northwest Nazarene Nighthawks in Nampa, Idaho.

In the opening quarter, the Wildcats established an early lead, capitalizing on their offensive prowess to outscore the Nighthawks. Despite a resilient effort from Northwest Nazarene, including a notable three-pointer by Beaux Bruegman, Central Washington maintained control.

The second quarter saw the Wildcats extend their advantage, showcasing exceptional shooting accuracy. Their performance from beyond the arc was particularly impressive, contributing significantly to their halftime lead.

Defensively, Central Washington remained steadfast in the third quarter, effectively limiting the Nighthawks' scoring opportunities. This defensive tenacity allowed the Wildcats to sustain their lead heading into the final period.

Although Northwest Nazarene mounted a late surge in the fourth quarter, outscoring the Wildcats, Central Washington's earlier efforts ensured their victory. Kendall Clark led the Nighthawks with 14 points, while Chloe Deharo added 11 points to the scoreboard.

Reflecting on the game, Central Washington's head coach emphasized the importance of composure and offensive execution against a formidable opponent like Northwest Nazarene. The Wildcats' ability to adapt and maintain their game plan was instrumental in securing the win.

Looking ahead, the Wildcats are set to embark on a three-game road trip to Southern California. Their itinerary includes matchups against the 23rd-ranked Cal Poly Pomona Broncos, the Cal State LA Golden Eagles, and the Cal State San Marcos Cougars. These games present an opportunity for Central Washington to build on their momentum and further solidify their standing in the GNAC.

In the broader Nampa community, recent developments have been noteworthy. LEAP Housing has successfully raised over $260,000 for elevator upgrades at the Golden Glow Tower, an affordable senior housing complex. This initiative aims to enhance safety and reduce maintenance downtime, with project completion anticipated by May 1, 2026.

Additionally, the College of Western Idaho is pursuing a "no-cash" acquisition of Nampa's Ford Idaho Center. This strategic move is intended to expand hands-on instruction in various programs and integrate the college's existing campus with the Micron Education Center.

These developments reflect Nampa's commitment to community growth and improvement, paralleling the Wildcats' dedication to excellence on the basketball court.