The North Platte Community College Knights men’s basketball team were defeated by the Trinidad State Junior College Trojans on Saturday afternoon, 82-74 in Region IX play.  North Platte drops to 6-1 on the season, 1-1 in Region IX, and 3-1 at home.  The loss ends a record setting 31 game winning streak at McDonald – Belton gymnasium.

Knights head coach Kevin O’Connor said, “We were just flat today and maybe Trinidad had a lot to do with that.”  O’Connor added, “They (Trinidad) certainly deserved to win the game today and played very well.”

The Knights led at halftime 37-31, but were outscored by the Trojans 51-37 in the second half.

Trinidad was nearly perfect from the free throw line, making 14 out of 15 attempts.  The miss coming with just six seconds left in the game. The Trojans also made 53 percent from behind the three point line, hitting 8 of 15 shots.

The Knights were led in scoring by sophomores Cameron Williams and Marco Pascolo; each having 16 points apiece.   Pascolo also had 6 rebounds.  Tyree Peter led the Knights in rebounding with 9.

Other players scoring in double figures for the Knights were: CJ Polk with 15, and Shyquinn Dix with 10.

The Trojans were led in scoring by Elijah Valdez and Preston Bungei who shared game high honors with 23 points. Bungei went 6 for 6 from the free throw line.  The only other Trinidad player to score in double figures was Treyvon Andres, who finished with 10 points.

The Trojans improve to 6-4 overall and 1-1 in Region IX.