The North Platte Community College Knights Basketball defeated the Lamar Community College Runnin’ Lopes Saturday afternoon at the McDonald-Belton Gymnasium 73-66.

The game was “Special Olympics Night.” They were recognized at halftime and had a group picture with the Knights following the game.

Prior to the game, the mascot’s name was revealed. The name for the mascot is “Knightro” The name was chosen based on a vote on the North Platte Community College facebook page.

The Knights started slow allowing the Runnin’ Lopes to jump out to an 11-4 lead. Tim Wagner scored the first six points for the Knights. The Runnin’ Lopes led throughout the first half, leading by as much as 13, 33-20, in the first half.

The Knights went on an 11-2 run with baskets by Wagner and Diontae Champion to cut the Runnin’ Lopes lead to four, 35-31 at halftime.
In the second half, the Knights came out and scored the first four points to tie the game at 35. Lamar increased their lead to eight by going on a 10-2 run. The Knights came back and put on a run of 13-1 to take the lead 50- 46.

The Knights never trailed again. They led by 11 points 65-54 with just under six minutes to play.

The Knights are 7-3 on the season and 1-1 in Region IX South Sub-region play. They were led in scoring by Wagner with 21 points and Champion with 20 points. David Ramon was the other Knight in double digits by scoring 10 in the game. Tyree Peter led with nine rebounds.

The Runnin Lopes are 9-6 on the season and 0-2 in Sub-region play. The Runnin’ Lopes Jiere Morrissey led all scorers with 27 points. Jon Dunmeyer was the only other Runnin’ Lopes to score in double figures with 17 points. Chris Lewis had 15 rebounds to lead Lamar.

The Knights travel to Hastings, Nebraska to play Hastings College Junior Varsity at 4 pm on Sunday.