ELLENSBURG, Wash.—The Central Washington women's basketball team is headed to Nampa, Idaho, to take on the Nighthawks from Northwest Nazarene to close out their conference road trip.
 
GAME INFORMATION
Saturday, December 11^th
1:00 PM PST
Vs. Northwest Nazarene
Johnson Sports Center
Nampa, Idaho
WATCH | LIVE STATS | TICKET INFO
 
The Wildcats opened their 2021-22 conference schedule with a pair of road matches at Seattle Pacific (4-5, 1-1) and Montana State Billings (6-5, 1-1). After a close bout against the Falcons, the 'Cats bounced back against the Yellowjackets shooting 51% from the field and taking the win, 79-68.
 
"This is another big week for us as week take on another conference opponent on the road. NNU has a great program and they are tough to play at home. Our team has to improve this week in practice and be ready to go come Saturday for a 40-minute battle." Said CWU Head Coach Randi Richardson-Thornley.
 
SCOUTING THE NIGHTHAWKS
The Nighthawks are currently sitting 5-3 overall and 1-1 in conference play. The 'Cats caught glimpses of the Nighthawks earlier this season at both the GNAC-CCAA Crossover down in Turlock, California, and the Northwest Nazarene Classic in mid-November.
 
As a team the Nighthawks average 66.9 points per game, only a 2.6 margin over opponents this season. Although struggling from beyond the arc with only a .264 team three-point percentage, their .434 shooting percentage from the field and 39.3 rebounds per game make them strong in the paint.
 
Leading the Nighthawk offense is sophomore Nyalam Thabach. The 6' 3" forward is averaging 13 points per game on a .531 shooting percentage and .850 from the charity stripe. She also leads the lineup with 5 blocks and has grabbed 54 rebounds. Assisting her is forward Teagan Thurman. The 6' 1" freshman averages 10 points per game on a .443 shooting percentage but leads the Nighthawks in rebounds with 63.
 
JOHNSON SPORTS CENTER ENTRANCE POLICIES
As of Sept. 15, NNU will require spectators at indoor home events, regardless of vaccination status, to wear masks/face coverings until further notice. Tickets will be available for purchase at the venue.
 
LAST TIME OUT
Central split their opening week of conference play 1-1 after traveling to Seattle Pacific (4-5, 1-1) and Montana State Billings (6-5, 1-1).
 
The 'Cats are headed to Nampa after a strong shooting performance in Billings, Montana. The 'Cats offense was 25-49 from the field, and 21-24 from the charity stripe to outlast the Yellowjackets, 79-68.
 
Kizzah Maltezo led the 'Cats in their win over the 'Jackets with 22 points alongside the teams only block and a single steal. Maltezo was a perfect 11-11 from the line and shot 50% from the field.
 
Behind Maltezo is senior Kassidy Malcolm who played strong roles in both games for the 'Cats. Against Seattle Pacific (4-5, 1-1), Malcolm posted a double-double on 23 points and 11 rebounds. Malcolm was perfect from the line and shot 56% from the field. Against the 'Jackets (6-5, 1-1) Malcolm posted 19 points on 5 rebounds shooting 5-6 from the line, 100% from beyond the arc, and 60% from the field.