La Junta, Colo. – The North Platte Community College Knights basketball team dropped a Region IX South Sub-Region contest to the Otero Junior College Rattlers, 70-60, on Sunday afternoon.

The Rattlers led throughout the game, and held a 35-24 lead at halftime. In the first half, the Rattlers shot 41.9 percent (13 for 31) from the field, including two 3-pointers, compared to the Knights 21.2 percent (7 for 33) and two 3-pointers.

The Knights were eight for 10 from the free throw line in the first half, and finished at 72.7 percent at the line, (16-22). The Rattlers were 16 of 25 for the free throw line for 64 percent.

The Rattlers out-rebounded the Knights 47-46.

Aaron Ridley led a balanced scoring attack for the Knights, now 4-6 on the season and 2-2 in the South Sub-Region, with 14 points. Trajan Harris and Godfrey Rolle, each chipped in 12 points, and Goy Lew added 11 points. Nelo Nducuia had seven rebounds to pace the Knights.

Jervae Robinson led the Rattlers, 10-2 on the season and 2-1 in the South Sub-Region, with 16 points. Josh McNair had 13 points and 15 rebounds for the Rattlers. Chudier Bile added 11 points and Andre Arissol had 10 points.

The Knights are next in action on January 6, when they play Nebraska Community College Athletic Conference opponent Southeast Community College at the McDonald – Belton Gymnasium.