NPCC Knights Advance in Region IX Tournament with Win over Otero

The North Platte Community College Knights basketball team defeated the Otero Junior College Rattlers 79 – 72 at McDonald – Belton Gymnasium Saturday in the first round of the National Junior College Athletic Association Region IX Tournament.

The game was tied at nine with 12:35 minutes to play in the first half when the Knights went on a 12 – 2 run to take the lead with 8:08 to play. The Knights maintained the lead throughout the first half to lead 39 – 28 at halftime.

In the second half the Knights increased their lead to 64-49. The Rattlers weren’t finished as they went on a 24 – 11 run to cut the Knights lead to two 75 – 73 with 11 seconds to play. The Rattlers fouled CJ Polk who hit both of his free throws to put the lead up to four. On the ensuing play, the Knights Shyquinn Dix stole the ball and went to put up a shot. He missed the shot but Cameron Williams was right there to seal the victory with a slam dunk.

The Knights improve to 23-8 on the season. They were led in scoring by Williams, who finished the game with 19 points. Polk added 17 points and Dix added 14 points. Tyree Peter also scored in double figures with 11 points.

The Rattlers, who ended their season at 16 – 14 were led in scoring by Josh Blaylock with 18 points. Shun Williams had 17 points and Brandon Wilson added 11 points. Wilson recorded a double – double as he also grabbed 10 rebounds.

With the win the Knights advance to the quarterfinals of the Region IX tournament in Powell, Wyoming. Northwest College, who came into the tournament as the No. 1 seed in the North Sub –Region defeated Little Big Horn College 104 – 74 to retain the top seed and host the remainder of the tournament which will be held March 5 – 7.

The Knights next opponent is unknown. Region IX will re-seed the eight remaining teams for the matchups.

The tournament games for the Knights will be covered by Robert Lovell on ESPN Radio 1410 and www.northplattepost.com. For more information about the tournament go to www.npccknights.com for the updates and possible live stream broadcasts.