The North Platte Community College Knights men’s basketball team defeated the Northeastern Junior College Plainsmen 85-81 Tuesday.
The Plainsmen jumped out to a 8-2 lead at the beginning of the game. North Platte tied the game at nine on a dunk by Marco Pascolo.
The Knights took their largest lead in the first half 33-23 on a field goal by Shyquinn Dix with 7 minutes left in the first half. The Plainsmen went on a 18-10 run to cut the lead at halftime 43-41.
In the second half, Knights freshmen Matt Thomas, Shyquinn Dix, and sophomore Cameron Williams scored 19 points to increase the Knights lead to eight, 62-54 with 10:16 left in the game.
There were 8 lead changes and 10 ties in the game. The last tie was with 6:14 to go at 64-64.
Free throws down the stretch from Williams, Tyree Peter, and Loick Pouale sealed the victory. The Knights for the game went 19 of 23 from the free throw line.
Cameron Williams led all scorers with 32 points. Williams moved into 49th place on the North Platte scoring list, knocking head coach Kevin O’Connor out of the top 50.
Other Knights to score in double figures were: Shyquinn Dix with 16 points, Matt Thomas with 14 points, and Marco Pascolo with 10 points. Pascolo also led the Knights with 11 rebounds. Peter contributed with 8 rebounds.
The Plainsmen were led in scoring by Isiah Cooper with 21 points. Four other Plainsmen scored in double figures. James Dumes and Logan Kelley each had 11 points. Shikei Blake and Robert Jones both had 10 points.
The victory improves the Knights record to 9-2 on the season and 3-1 in the National Junior College Athletic Association Region IX South Sub-Region.
The Plainsmen fall to 10-4 on the year and 3-1 in the south sub-region.
The Knights don’t have much time to celebrate their victory. Northwest Kansas Technical College comets to town Wednesday, December 10. The game may be heard on ESPN Radio 1410 or online at www.northplattepost.com. It will also be video live streamed at www.coachesaid.com . Tip-off is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. CST.