The No. 25 North Platte Community College men’s basketball team (4-0) took down the Garden City Community College Broncbusters (3-1) in the conclusion of the Garden City Classic. The Knights were able to overcome a three point halftime deficit to earn the victory 67-62.

The game started slowly offensively for both teams as each worked to gain a rhythm. Both the Knights and Broncbusters were held to 37 percent shooting in the first half with Garden City making three more free throws to earn the advantage at intermission. Ethan Montalvo led the Knights at the break with 8 points.

The second half started with the Knights falling behind by six points before they rallied to take the lead. The Knights were able to find their scoring groove led by Tim Simmons’ 11 second half point on the way to scoring 40 points in the second.

Simmons finished with a game high 16 points and four assists. Montalvo and Cameron Williams were also in double figures as they both finished with 14 points. Williams and Jake Maslo led the Knights in rebounding with six apiece.

“We were able to turn our defense into offense,” said Simmons. “We were screening for each other and finding the open man.”

Jalen Variste led the Broncbusters with 16 points and Rueben King finished with 10 points. Jade Cathey finished with a game high seven rebounds.

“It is always a good win when you go on the road and win on someone else’s home court,” said head coach Kevin O’Connor. “We competed and found a way to win two tough games this weekend.”

The Knights have their first home game of the year on Tuesday Nov. 12 as the take on the York College JV at 7 p.m.The game is the start of a five game home stand for the Knights. Midland University JV and Doane College JV come to town on Friday Nov. 15 at 7 p.m. and Saturday Nov. 16 at 3 p.m. respectively. The following weekend the Knights open up Region IX play as Otero Junior College and Trinidad State Junior College come to North Platte.