Sterling, Colo. – The Knights came up just short Wednesday night, falling 70-69 to the Plainsmen of Northeastern Junior College.
“I don’t believe in moral victories, but our guys are playing really hard,” said head coach Jacob Brandl. “This is two games in a row where our opponents have had to play near perfect basketball to beat us.”
Brady Kennison paced the Knights with 20 points going 5-of-12 from beyond the arc, while Josh Osayanrhion made his presence felt on the glass with 10 rebounds.
Kennison knocked down a three-pointer early in the second half to give North Platte a seven-point cushion, but a Northeastern surge allowed the Plainsmen to regain the lead with six minutes remaining. Dennis Rocha answered with a three to trim the deficit to one, and the Knights defense forced a shot-clock violation to set up one final possession.
John Sims IV took the inbound pass and found Kennison, who drove into the heart of the Plainsmen defense and rose for a contested jumper. The shot rattled off the rim, ending North Platte’s comeback bid.
In the opening half, the Knights jumped out to an 11-5 lead behind a long-range three from Dennis Rocha. Northeastern answered to tie the game with 7:58 remaining, but the Knights responded with a 10-0 run to build a double-digit cushion. The Plainsmen rallied down the stretch as they narrowed the advantage to 37-36 at the break.
North Platte (14-12, 6-5 Region 9 South) continues Region 9 South play on Saturday for their last home game against Western Nebraska Community College. Tipoff is set for 3 p.m. in the McDonald-Belton Gymnasium.
