The North Platte Community College Knights used clutch free throw shooting to down the Otero Junior College Rattlers 76-72 in a Region IX South Sub-region contest Saturday afternoon.

With the Rattlers leading for most of the first half, the Knights took their first lead with 7:52 to go in the half 25-24 on a put back shot by Marco Pascolo. The Rattlers then went on a 13-2 run to take the lead 37-27.

The Knights battled back to cut Otero’s lead to four, 45-41 at halftime.

In the second half the Knights leading 67-59, the Rattlers went on a 12-2 run to take a 71-69 lead with 2:30 to go in the game.

CJ Polk tied the game at 71 with two free throws with 1:42 to go.  Otero’s Tre O’Neal hit one of two free throws to put the Rattlers up by one.  Polk on the next possession put the Knights up for good on a layup.  Cameron Williams made three of the next four free throws to seal the win.

The Knights, now 17-4 overall and 8-1 in the sub-region were led in scoring by Polk and Williams with 16 points each.  Pascolo was the only other Knight to score in double figures with 14.

Pascolo recorded his second consecutive double-double as he pulled down 12 rebounds.

The Rattlers, 11-9 on the season and 2-8 in the sub-region had four players in double figures led by Brandon Wilson and Brandon Book with 15 points each.  Shun Williams tallied 11 points and Jacob Holland added 10 points.

Wilson also pulled down 12 rebounds to lead the Rattlers.

The Knight stay on the road as they travel to play McCook Community College on Wednesday, January 28.  The game will be broadcast on ESPN Radio 1410 and online at www.northplattepost.com.  It will also be live streamed at www.coachesaid.com.

Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. CST.