Columbus – The North Platte Community College Lady Knights basketball team (8-8, 1-1 DII Region IX Division II, 1-1NCCAC) dropped a tough fought game to the Central Community College Lady Raiders (13-6, 1-0 Region IX Division II, 2-0 NCCAC) in Columbus 67-74 after holding a 35-25 lead at halftime.

The Lady Knights continued their hot play from last night as the Lady Knights started the game playing well. The Lady Knights would slowly stretch the lead throughout half before taking the 10 point lead into the locker room.

In the second half the Lady Raiders would turn the tables on the Lady Knights as they chipped away at the lead before taking a lead of their own. The Lady Raiders forced the Lady Knights into 24 turnovers for the game.

“We played good during the first half,” said head coach Richard Thurin “but we had too many turnovers in the second half.”

DaVontaye Merritt again led the Lady Knights as she finished with another double-double with 21 points and 10 rebounds. Courtney Widick scored 14 for North Platte and April Stull chipped in 12. Jordan Dickerson had six assists to lead the Lady Knights.

The Lady Raiders also placed three players in double figures led by Sophia Yarger with 16 points. Alyssa Foltz had 15 points and Javona Wynne had 10 points. North Platte native Shelby Allberry led the Lady Raiders in rebounds with seven.

North Platte Community College, Southeast Community College and Central Community College are the three teams that comprise the Region IX Division II schools for women’s basketball. The three teams all play a home and home to seed the Region IX Division II Tournament. The #1 seed receives a bye, while the #2 seed hosts the #3 seed. The winner then plays at the #1 seed for the Region IX Division II Championship. North Platte defeated Southeast 59-50 last night in Beatrice.

North Platte Community, Southeast Community College, Central Community College and McCook Community College make up the Nebraska Community College Athletic Conference (NCCAC). The four schools play home and home this season, so today and tomorrow’s games are doubly important for the Lady Knights. Both Southeast (79-75) and Central (82-68) have defeated McCook on their home court this season.

The Lady Knights remain on the road next week as they return to road when they face the Northeast Community College Lady Hawks on Friday Jan. 24 at 6 p.m. and the Midland University JV on Saturday Jan. 25 at 2 p.m. The Lady Knights return home Tuesday Jan. 28 as they host the York College JV.