The North Platte Community College Knights advance to the National Junior College Athletic Association Region IX semifinals with a win over the Central Wyoming College Rustlers Thursday night  74 – 66.

The Knights  started out slow out of the gate allowing the  Rustlers to jump out to a 19 – 7 lead. Once the Knights got going they never looked back.  The Knights went on a 23 – 10 run to lead at halftime 30 -29.  They never trailed in the second half and led by as much as 12 points with just over a minute to play 74 – 62.

The game featured the No. 2 and No. 3 three-point shooting percentage teams in the region. The Rustlers, who rely on the three-point shot, shooting an average of 25.5 three pointers per game and making an average of 9.9 three-pointers made for 38.6 percent, shot 7 – 28 from behind the arc for 25 percent.  The Knights are shooting 7.1 for 18.6 from behind the arc for 38.3 percent for the year, shot for the game 10 – 20 for 50 percent.  They made six for eight in the second half.

The Knights improve to 24 – 8 on the season.  They were led in scoring by Cameron Williams, who scored 22 points to lead all scorers.  Williams also added seven rebounds and two assists.  Matt Williams added 19 points going five for nine from behind the arc.  Shyquinn Dix was the third Knight in double figures with 10 points.  Tyree Peter grabbed eight rebounds to lead the Knights.

The Rustlers who finish their season at 19 – 10 were led by Eimer Lopez and Xavier Webb who scored 16 points each.

The Knights will face the host Northwest College Trappers in the semifinals, who defeated Western Nebraska 101 – 77.  The other semifinal will feature Northeastern Junior College and Gillette College.

The Knights game will tip-off at 8:00 p.m. CST.  The game will be broadcast on ESPN Radio 1410 or www.northplattepost.com on the World Wide Web.  The game will also be live streamed on www.nwc.edu/regionix.