Scottsbluff – The No. 5 North Platte Community College men’s basketball team (13-0, 5-0 South Sub-Region) traveled to Cougar Palace to take on the Western Nebraska Community College Cougars (10-7, 2-2 South Sub-Region) and emerged with a hard fought victory 75-68.
The game was back and forth in the first quarter as both teams struggled to find an offensive rhythm leading to 31-31 tie at half as sophomore Ethan Montalvo was held to only 2 points. The Knights played ten players in the first half as they struggled through foul trouble.
In the second half, the Knights were more aggressive and attacked the Cougars. Montalvo was able to get to the free throw line 10 times and made eight to get himself going. Two threes from the corner gave Montalvo a game high 18 points. The Knights were able to seal the game from the free throw line to preserve the victory.
“The coaches encouraged me to keep shooting,” said Montalvo “they have confidence in me. I thought our team dug deep in the win and we really came together.”
The Knights also got 11 points from freshman Marco Pascolo and a double-double from freshman Aireon Porter who finished with 10 points, 12 rebounds and four blocks. Western Nebraska was led by Youssoupha Kane who finished with 14 points and 13 rebounds. Tyler Crosbie (13 points), Brandon Morley (13 points) and Diane Mitchell (12 points) were all in double figures for the Cougars.
“I am very proud of our team’s effort,” said head coach Kevin O’Connor. “We continue tomorrow with a very good Eastern Wyoming College.”
The Knights travel to Torrington, Wyo. tomorrow to take on the Eastern Wyoming College Lancers (8-7, 0-4 South Sub-Region) at 5 p.m. CST.
North Platte starts the year with seven straight road games as next week the Knights travel to Cheyenne, Wyo. to take on Laramie County Community College (12-5, 3-1 South Sub-Region), Beatrice to take on Southeast Community College (14-5) and Columbus to take on Central Community College (14-2). The Knights are next at home on Wednesday January 29 to face McCook Community College (11-4, 3-1 South Sub-Region) at 7:30 p.m.