The North Platte Community College Knights men’s basketball team opened up Region IX play with a win over Otero Junior College Rattlers 91-77.
The victory was North Platte Community College Head Coach Kevin O’Connor’s 600th win. Coach O’Connor said “I didn’t win any games, but the players that have played here have won them.”
The Knights remain unbeaten on the year improving their record to 6-0, 3-0 at home. The win extends the Knights winning streak at home to 31.
The Rattlers started out the game on a 13-6 run. Freshmen Shyquinn Dix and CJ Polk came off the bench to spark the Knights and gained the lead 16-15 on a 3-pointer by Dix. The game went back and forth with six lead changes and seven ties during the first half. Otero led at halftime 42-37.
In the second half, the Knights broke it open with a five 3-pointers on consecutive possessions to take the lead 71-57 and never trailed again. Sophomore Riley Rice from Mullen hit two of the five as part of his career high 8 points.
The Knights were led in scoring by Cameron Williams with 28 points to lead all scorers and had 6 assists. Dix followed with 21 points. The other Knights to score in double figures were Marco Pascolo and CJ Polk with 11 and 10 points respectively. Pascolo also contributed with 15 rebounds.
The Rattlers were led in scoring by Josh Blaylock with 22 points, TreVante O’Neal with 16 points, and Brandon Wilson with 12.
The Knights will host the Trinidad State Trojans on Saturday. The Trojans are coming off a six point loss to McCook. Tip-off is at 2:00 and can be heard on ESPN Radio 1410 or online at www.nothplattepost.com.