La Junta, CO – The No. 7 North Platte Community College men’s basketball team’s (18-1, 8-1 South Sub-Region) finished out their seven game road swing to start 2014 with a victory over the Otero Junior College Rattlers (16-6, 5-4 South Sub-Region) by a score of 88-62.

The Knights played with a great defensive intensity to start the game as they scored the first 10 points of the game before letting the Rattlers on the scoreboard. The Knights never let the Rattlers get into an offensive rhythm during the whole game on their way to the victory. North Platte would maintain their advantage to take a 36-23 lead into intermission.Marco Pascolo and Cameron Williams were the only two players in double-figures at the break as Pascolo hit four 3-pointers for 12 points and Williams had 10 points.

In the second half the Knights picked up where they left on and continued to maintain their advantage and increase it. For the game, the Knights would shoot 50 percent from the field and out-rebounded the Rattlers 39 to 18.

“We played a pretty complete basketball game,” said assistant coach Nathan Wieseler. “We had a couple guys step up off the bench and make some plays which was great to see. After not playing at home for over a month we are excited to play in front of our home crown this week.”

The Knights put four players in double-figures, once again led by Ethan Montalvo who scored 24 points in the game including 12 of 13 from the free throw line. Williams and Pascolo both finished with 17 points and Tim Simmons scored 11. Williams led the Knights with seven assists and Jacob Maslo and Aireon Porter both pulled down seven rebounds.

“It was a hard fought victory,” said Williams. “I tried to be aggressive and put pressure on their defense then find my teammates for open shots. I am excited to play at home on Wednesday.”

Chris Golden was the only Rattler in double-figures as he finished with 16 points on 3 of 11 shooting.

The Knights return home for the first time in 2014 on Wednesday Jan. 29 to face the McCook Community College Indians (14-6, 5-3 South Sub-Region) at 7:30 p.m. in a Region IX and Nebraska Community College Athletic Conference contest.

The Knights then host the Hastings College JV the next day on Jan. 30 at 7 p.m. On Saturday Feb. 1 at 3 p.m. the Knights host Central Community College to finish up the three game home stand before heading back onto the road for their last three road games of the year.

All three home games will be broadcast live by Coaches Aid and ASBN. A link to all live broadcasted games is available on the Knights webpage at www.npccknights.com.