Separated by over 1,000 students and three miles, Cienega and Empire battled each other to the final moments of a classic battle between an established "big school" and a school creating an identity. Cienega ultimately prevailed 66-63 but Empire also had a victory of sorts - respect.
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Derik Hall is known for his quickness on the football field and he displayed a bit of what caused NAU to offer him a scholarship in the final moments against Cienega. Hall poked the ball away as Cienega was about to make their final move with about five seconds remaining. He raced down the court and scored on a lay up with 2.8 seconds left and was fouled.