North Platte – The No. 25 North Platte Community College men’s basketball team (9-0, 2-0 South Sub-Region) knocked off the Trinidad State Junior College Trojans (5-5, 0-2 South Sub-Region) Saturday afternoon in McDonald-Belton Gymnasium behind 27 points and 10 rebounds from freshman Marco Pascolo.

“It was good to make some shots,” said Pascolo. “My teammates did a good job screening for me and getting me open.”

The Knights picked up where they left off last night as they raced out to an early lead that would balloon to 25 points at halftime at a score of 54-29 behind 16 points from Pascolo and 15 from Ethan Montalvo as the Knights shot 52 percent from the field.

In the second half 31 fouls were called as the Knights shot 22 free throws and the Trojans shot 27. The Knights were able to secure the final margin by only turning the ball over 12 times and out-rebounding the Trojans 41-28. The Knights shot 55 percent from the field for the game.

Pascolo led the Knights in points and rebounds while Montalvo also chipped in 26 points. Cameron Williams scored in double figures for the second straight game as he finished with 20 points. Tim Simmons finished with 13 points and Aireon Porter scored 11 and had nine rebounds.

“A good way to start Region IX play with two wins,” said head coach Kevin O’Connor. “It was good to see some guys step up and make some plays for us.”

The Knights are now off until after the Thanksgiving break when they travel to face Hastings College JV on Tuesday Dec. 3 at 7:30 p.m. The Knights host Region IX opponents Lamar Community College on Dec. 7 and Northeastern Junior College on Dec. 11 before Christmas break.