A Jasmine Gilbert layup puts the Knights out front for the final time in the fourth quarter against McCook Community College on Wednesday night. (Skylar Evans, North Platte Community College)
North Platte, Neb. – Jasmine Gilbert tallied 13 points in the second half to help North Platte upset rival McCook 68-62 on Wednesday night.
“This was a great win for us,” said head coach Jeff Thurman. “It was a rivalry game with a lot of emotions, and we found a way to win. I could not be prouder of our student-athletes.”
Aliyah Herron led the way for the Knights with 15 points on 4-of-9 shooting from the field with four assists. Gilbert was the only other North Platte player in double figures, finishing the night with 14 points and seven rebounds.
The back-and-forth battle began from the opening tip until an 8-0 run helped McCook create some early separation. Zaily Mazarin answered with four quick points to trim the deficit to 12-8 by the end of the first quarter.
North Platte answered in the second quarter, briefly taking the lead on a deep three pointer from Herron. The teams continued to exchange baskets before the Indians closed the half on a 10-2 run, carrying a 28-22 advantage into the break.
The Knights regrouped in the third quarter and battled back to tie the game at 37-37 with 4:25 remaining. The Indians responded once again and carried a five-point lead into the final period.
North Platte used an early run in the fourth quarter to reclaim the lead with 7:48 to play. The teams continued to trade buckets until Gilbert put the Knights ahead for the final time inside the final four minutes. From there, North Platte sealed the win at the free-throw line, knocking down four late free throws to secure the victory.
“Now we can’t stop and get complacent,” Thurman said. “Moving forward and winning each day is our goal. We need to be process driven and not outcome oriented.”
North Platte (7-17, 4-6 Region 9 South) continues Region 9 South play next Wednesday against Northeastern Junior College. Tipoff is set for 5 p.m. in Sterling, Colo.
