Fremont – The North Platte Community College Lady Knights basketball team (9-9, 1-1 Region IX Division II) evened their record on Saturday afternoon as they defeated the Midland University JV on the road 75-54 behind another strong performance from DaVontaye Merritt.

The Lady Knights got off to a hot start Saturday and never looked back as they cruised to victory. In the first twenty minutes the Lady Knights out-scored the Lady Warriors 37-23 on 44 percent shooting while holding Midland JV to 22 percent shooting from the field.

In the second half the Lady Knights would extend their lead by winning the half 38-31 to earn the 21 point victory. The Lady Knights ended up shooting 43 percent from the field while holding the Lady Warriors to 31 percent for the game. The Lady Knights also forced Midland JV into 31 turnovers.

“It was good to have four girls in double-figures,” said head coach Richard Thurin. “Our press forced them into turnovers and we shot well from the field at 42 percent.”

DaVontaye Merritt again led the Lady Knights as she finished one rebound shy of another double-double with 17 points and nine rebounds. Courtney Widick chipped in 13 for the Lady Knights and Jordan Dickerson and Kirra Hill-Carter were also in double-figures with 10 points each.

The Lady Warriors placed three players in double-figres led by Miranda Paul and Montana Hinrichs who each scored 12. Breanna Bentley finished with 10 points.

The Lady Knights return home on Tuesday after five straight home games starting. The Lady Knights host the York College JV on Jan 28 at 7:20 p.m. The Lady Knights play the McCook Community College Lady Indians (3-16) the next day on Wednesday Jan. 29 at 5:30 p.m.

The Lady Knights finish out the week as they host the Central Community College Lady Raiders (15-6, 1-0 Region IX Division II). All three games will be broadcast live online with links available on the Knights website through the partnership with Coaches Aid and ASBN.