The North Platte Community College Knights remained atop the Region IX South standings as they defeated the Lamar Community College Lopers 65-58 Friday night at McDonald-Belton Gymnasium.

The Lopers started off the scoring and led the Knights 3-0 on a three-pointer by Jon Dunmyer.  That would be the only lead that the Lopers would have for the rest of the night.

The Knights shot 50% in the first half going 12 of 24, but only one of seven from behind the arc.

Lamar kept it close with their full court press and causing turnovers.  The Knights had 17 turnovers in the game.

During the first half the Knights went on a 17-2 run to take a 19-7 lead for their biggest lead of the game.  With the Knights leading 23-11 the Lopers went on a 9-0 run to cut the lead to three, 23-20.  Field goals by Fadil Robinson, Cameron Williams and Tyree Peter stretched the lead to 30-24 at halftime.

The Lopers rallied after halftime to tie the game at 39 with 11:43 left in the game.  The rally was short lived as the Knights went on an 11- 0 run to lead 50-39.  Matt Thomas and Riley Rice fueled the rally, including back to back field goals by Rice.

The Lopers went on a 13-4 run to close within two, 54-52 with 4:41 to go in the game. The Knights outscored the Lopers down the stretch 11-6, including eight points by Williams to seal the victory.

The Knights, who are now 20-4 and 10-1 in Region IX South sub-region play, were led in scoring by Williams, who led all scorers with 18 points.  Matt Thomas added 12 and Rice added 11.  Marco Pascolo led the team in rebounding with 8 rebounds.

The Lopers, 7-17 on the year and 4-7 in the sub-region had two players in double figures led by Jiere Morrisey with 12 points and Garrett Hyde chipped in 10.

The Knights return to action February 13 when they travel to Torrington, Wyoming to play Eastern Wyoming College.