The North Platte Knights were defeated in their regular season finale last night, falling to Western Nebraska 80-62 at McDonald-Belton Gymnasium. The Knights led by eight in the first half, but a 19-3 first-half run by the Cougars gave them control of the game for good. Nick Tomsick led the Knights with 27 points in the loss. The Knights finish the regular season with 17-13 record. The Region IX tournament opens next Friday in Scottsbluff. Tonight, the North Platte Lady Knights face Southeast for the third time this season with the Region IX Division II championship at stake. The Lady Knights fell to the Storm in North Platte in December, but won at Southeast earlier this month. ESPN Radio 1410 has the action from Beatrice tonight, with the pregame show at 6:15 and the tipoff at 6:30.